Toni

The way I see it

"The Women with Silver Wings", by Katherine Sharp Landdeck

"The Women with Silver Wings" - Katherine Sharp Landdeck

The inspiring True Story of the Women Airforce Service Pilots of World War 11

Ms. Landdeck is an associate professor and teaches courses on the twentieth century United States and global war. What an interesting read her book is.

“The Women with Silver Wings” is the culmination of her 20 years of research on the Women Airforce Service Pilots. The WASP were the first women in history to fly for the U.S. military, serving between 1942 and 1944 at the height of World WAR 11. These daring female aviators who helped the United States win WW 11 only to be forgotten by the country they served.

It has been a privilege for Ms. Landdeck get to know these women over years and to tell the stories of these amazing women in action. At the height of WW 11 more than 1000 women volunteered as civilian pilots to relieve men for overseas duty. They ferried planes across the country from factories to points of embarkation, towed targets behind planes to train ground and air gunners, test flew planes after repairs and other domestic flying duty that the Air Forces needed done. The author describes in details their day to day life: the months of training, were they were stationed, the types of aircraft they flew and their down time.

The WASP were deactivated in December 1944 up to 1977 they continued their battle to be officially recognised as part of the Military. In 1984 each pilot was awarded the WW 11 Victory medal and others the American Theater Ribbon and Campaign Medal. In 2009, after decades-long battle, the women contributions finally honored and were granted the Congressional Gold Medal and officially recognized as military veterans. The status fully recognised in 2017.

This book is superbly researched and consists of numerous vignettes of the remarkable pilots. It is smoothly written with relatively short chapters to keep us interested. In whole an easy read and a great educating tool.

On the down side: I found too much was said for a regular size book, information seemed cramped in. I was deeply into this book for most part but ¾ in, things started to turn in circle, became repetitive and dragged somewhat. I was anxious to see the ending by then. Having said this, I still would recommend this book to those who love this time in history.

I received an ARC from Crown Publishing via NetGalley for my thoughts.

"In Defiance", by John W. Mefford

IN Defiance (An Ivy Nash Thriller, Book 1) - John W. Mefford

Ivy Nash Thriller book #1

Redemption Thriller book # 7

Ivy Nash is the second sub-series of the Redemption Thriller Collection. In the past few months I have been reviewing the Alex Trout Thrillers, the first of the sub-series and enjoyed them immensely, so I was eager to get my teeth (hands) on the Ivy Nash experience hoping to be as much entertained as in the first series.

John Mefford is a talented author and knows how to build his characters for us to relate to them and he does a good job in doing so. “In Defiance” starts by telling us a bit of Ivy’s background, a system kid growing up in foster care. As an adult Ivy became a special investigator for Child Protective Services and would do anything for the wellbeing of children. So, when a volatile hostage situation at a foster home happens Ivy is right there to help but unfortunately the situation reaches a bitter end and an investigation is launched. The story that follows is a series of twists and turns, accusations, abuse, connections to drugs and a shockwave of horrific childhood memories.

Ivy is a character you simply love: she is strong, independent and is not afraid of trouble. Her past will not dictate her present and she will go all out to prove that a 10 year old boy is not guilty of murder. There is some heart breaking moments.

The tempo is moderate and keeps the same pace from start to finish. Although I did find Ivy’s drama entertaining I was not as captivated by it has I was with Alex’s stories, anyways so far. . Having said this, “In Defiance” is still a page turner and a good opening for another exciting series. Looking forward to story #2.

"Traitor", by Ty Patterson

"Traitor" - Ty Patterson

Zeb Carter book #5

What can I say except this is one exhausting read and a heck of a good one on top. For those looking for thrilling and never ending action, this latest will more than satisfied your craving. In “Traitor” Mr. Patterson does not leave Zeb any time to rest now that he is the target of all the assassins around the word. The best and most respected operator has been framed, labeled a traitor and a kill order has been placed.

The story line is a riveting one and could easily be ripped from headlines. In Libya, Zeb is in pursuit of the world’s deadliest terrorist when the first kill team attacks him. But this is the start of a hunting game…Can he stay alive….well of course he did …as in all good series the protagonist is needed for the sequel (no secret there).

This is by far not a boring story, from the first chapter till the very last we have Zeb jumping many hurdles and killing many to stay alive in order to accomplish what he came to do. Along the way, we are into one crazy scene after the other giving us lots of excitement with many of twists and turns popping out continually. Mr. Patterson also did not forget to give us plenty of violence to make us cringe. This thriller is so vividly describe that you can picture every move in your mind. As for the characters, the usual gang eventually shows up to save the day, they play strong parts as expected. All good by the end…good guys win and bad guys lose…

This is another good suspense written by one of my favourite authors.

"Coral Reef Views", by Vicki Delany

"Coral Reef Views" - Vicki Delany
Ashley Grant book # 3

This Rapid Reads is a slim book with huge characters that says a lot in less than 150 of printed pages. This is a fast, easy and relaxing read that stand well on its own.

Of course a story so small has no frills or long sentences. The style is clear, concise but all good things are there. Ms. Delany knows how to make a captivating plot within the limited number of pages.

Ashley Grant is our main character, working as a paramedic in the Caribbean. Her parents are visiting her from Canada but bored stiff her father meets Paul one of the neighbors and gets friendly. But when Paul disappears, Ashley`s father makes it his mission to find out what happened to him but he soon finds out there is a deferent side to paradise….

Overall, this is an enjoyable book that is well put together. Of course the mystery is easily solved but what makes this little story so good is how we get there. This is a cute drama with good characterization and not taxing at all especially for those pressed for time.

I received the ARC through the Early Reviewer Program
 
 

 

"One Day in New York", by J. F. Penn

One Day In New York (ARKANE Book 7) - J.F. Penn

Book # 7 in the Arkane series

This story is a novella and stands well on its own. We have a religious aspect to this story but put that aside this is one great storyline. Ms. Penn knows how to bring her readers into the heart of her stories and gives us a thrilling ride with a supernatural edge. Her stories are fast-paced and weave together some ancient secrets, mystical possibilities and globetrotting protagonists beautifully.

We are in New York with Jake Timber back from his convalescence and eager to jump into action. In the Big Apple and assisted with Naomi Locasto they are sent to look into a case of a woman burned to a cross in downtown Manhattan. What follows is an adventure through the Big Apple’s underbelly where the duo face varied situations all more gripping than the previous one. The action is ceaseless and the thrills spellbinding. Ms. Penn excels in combining religious history into a compelling thriller.

This brilliant story is reasonably simple and provides us with a number of different layers giving it depth. At the heart of this story is the need to possess a magic vial, cure-all, a miracle potion sought after by a sick man trying to cure his ailment through the misuse of artifact and by the Arkane agents that want to stop him. Great characterisation as always and a warm narration only Ms. Penn can write.

Installment 7 is another wonderful thriller showing how Ms. Penn’s is a master in religious history and one accomplished storyteller.

"At Full Tilt", by John W. Mefford

AT Full Tilt - John W. Mefford

Alex Troutt thriller #12

Redemption Thriller #24

I join those saying “Wow, what a way to end a series”.

Mr. Mefford brings to a close his series with all the impact of all the previous books put together. Murders in at least three different cities, how many will die before the killer is caught?

What a thrilling ride and a fitting end to a wonderful series. Ivy, Alex and Ozzie can never get a break and people close to them are being murdered some attacked. The action and suspense never let’s go and I was on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. They are so many possibilities; it is hard to know who can be trusted even which direction to turn. The story literally sends chills through you….. The full series is one huge emotional rollercoaster and the finale takes it all.

Alex Troutt, Ivy Nash and Ozzie Novak Thrillers are under the same Redemption Series umbrella and through each sub-series these characters appear in the other novels. We become familiar with them as they experience their fair share of murder and carnage. It is nice to know they play a part in each other series.

I am sad to see the end of this series but happy to move onto the Ivy Nash series and see how Mr. Mefford will entertaining me next….definitely expecting once again to be completely enthralled into a heart-pumping action suspense.

Thank you, Mr. Mefford for providing a copy of the 12 books in the Alex Troutt series for my honest opinions. In simple words I loved them all.

"The Way of the Brave", by Susan May Warren

"The Way of the Brave" - Susan May Warren

Global Search and Rescue #1

Set in the cold and brutal Alaska this odyssey brings a group of ice climbers to Mount Denali, North American highest mountain. Extreme challenge is their way of escape and nature provides the toughest of grounds to satisfy them. Even with all the skills and experience the climbers will need rescuing. The adventure brings together former pararescue jumper Orion Starr and former CIA profiler Jenny Calhoun, the two main characters, to face their demons….

I have mixed feeling about this book. Some parts I loved and others not so much.

Before springing into action and all through its narrative, “The Way of the Brave” bombards us with intricate climbing techniques and the tools needed for a safe excursion. I am not familiar with the sport so the constant jargon became a slight irritant, although in many ways, it is nice to learn something new. Once the adventure gets its needed fuel, the action starts to be much more interesting and seeing the characters belaying and rappelling and falling into crevasses is exciting. Being trap with only hope on their side, the climbers turn to god and we have a good share of praying. I guess most of us would do so if we were stuck between ice walls. To some the Christian content may be frustrating maybe even annoying but I find the author let her characters speak freely with all the emotions the situation imposed on them. This is well-done.

Jenny and Orion are the main characters; we also find secondary ones scaling the mountain alongside them. Ham, Jake, Sasha and Aria play chilling roles in this survival adventure. Of course we have the needed romance but this is subdued, definitely not graphic.

“The Way of the Brave” is a heart pounding novel that sets up a good series.

I received a copy from the Publisher Revell via First Reviewer Program for my thoughts

"The Splendid and the Vile", by Erik Larson

The Splendid and the Vile - Erik Larson

A saga of Churchill, Family, and Defiance during the Blitz

From newly available sources, declassified files and personal diaries, Erik Larson chronicles Winston Churchill’s life during his first year as prime minister and during the London Blitz. This compelling portrait shows in a cinematic way how Churchill taught the British people the art of being fearless. The story is more than a political one it also tells us the domestic drama and the day to day experience of Churchill, his family and his inner circle.

We are taken in a time of unrelenting horror with eloquence. Mr. Larson artfully weaves a tapestry of events, speeches, daily routines and tells us how the Prime Minister was determined in his pursuit to obtain aide from the USA and how it was up to him to hold his country together during Hitler’s relentless bombing campaign. Mr. Larson is definitely a master of narrative non-fiction work.

Although the Battle of Britain has been told many times there are always new discoveries and some omissions. This book ninety-some chapter tackles in depths the experience of the Battle as well as describing Churchill’s eccentric behaviour. For those who are fan of historical events, we learn a bit more, and for the dye hard definitely this book is an added bonus.

Whether a non-fiction or historical fiction I love reading war time accounts. Mr. Larson did not disappoint, his vivid details brought the era alive with all the screeching, whistling and hissing sound that bombs do to scare the population and to obliterate everything. With the resiliency of the population and good leadership Britain survived and with the contribution of allies, the Axis defeated. ……..”Never forget”……..

I received the Arc from Crown Publishing via NetGalleys in exchange for an honest review.

The Splendid and the Vile", by Erik Larson

The Splendid and the Vile - Erik Larson

A saga of Churchill, Family, and Defiance during the Blitz

From newly available sources, declassified files and personal diaries, Erik Larson chronicles Winston Churchill’s life during his first year as prime minister and during the London Blitz. This compelling portrait shows in a cinematic way how Churchill taught the British people the art of being fearless. The story is more than a political one it also tells us the domestic drama and the day to day experience of Churchill, his family and his inner circle.

We are taken in a time of unrelenting horror with eloquence. Mr. Larson artfully weaves a tapestry of events, speeches, daily routines and tells us how the Prime Minister was determined in his pursuit to obtain aide from the USA and how it was up to him to hold his country together during Hitler’s relentless bombing campaign. Mr. Larson is definitely a master of narrative non-fiction work.

Although the Battle of Britain has been told many times there are always new discoveries and some omissions. This book ninety-some chapter tackles in depths the experience of the Battle as well as describing Churchill’s eccentric behaviour. For those who are fan of historical events, we learn a bit more, and for the die hard definitely this book is an added bonus.

Whether a non-fiction or historical fiction I love reading war time accounts. Mr. Larson did not disappoint, his vivid details brought the era alive with all the screeching, whistling and hissing sound that bombs do to scare the population and to obliterate everything. With the resiliency of the population and good leadership Britain survived and with the contribution of allies, the Axis defeated. ……..”Never forget”……..

I received the Arc from Crown Publishing via NetGalleys in exchange for an honest review.

"Joburg Steele", by Graham Tempest

"Joburg Steele" - Graham Tempest

An Oliver Steele Thriller

Oliver is a very capable accountant/investigator who works for a rich client this time he is sent to South Africa to trace fifty million stolen dollars by a gang of blackmailers that targets government ministers. His investigation brings him on a lethal path through the streets of Protea City, into the Kruger game reserve and to Dubai.

This thriller works well as a stand-alone so no worry if you pick it up at this point.

Kidnapping, murder and corruption is at the heart of this fast-paced thriller. Mayhem is what propels the narrative forward in a very captivating way. Mr. Tempest is relentless on pacing, vivid description of locales and peppers his storyline with ruthless characters. I love Oliver’s trials and triumphs and Mr. Tempest gives us a truck load of action to follow. His main player is a well-define, a no –nonsense and loveable character. Rebekka Moran plays an important part as his sidekick and follows him down the lethal path where gunmen will stop at nothing.

This tale is quite interesting and very entertaining. It also gives us an insight onto financial crimes and into the mindset of corrupted individuals. What a fast and fun read “Joburg Steele” turned out to be. Smooth sailing from start to finish. I loved it.

“I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

"Inferno", by Dan Brown

Inferno - Dan Brown

If you want some kind of escapism you will find it in “Inferno”, Dan Brown’s very modern threat which was inspired on The Divine Comedy (a long Italian narrative poem by Dante Alighieri). This thriller comes with a truckload of information and anecdotes of places. It is also overloaded with history and trivia. In order to enjoy passing time with this story, you will need to leave your beliefs behind and go with the flow. Don’t let the sheer size of the book intimidate you, once into it you may not want to put it aside.

The plot is jam-packed with tricks and opens with Robert, the tweedy symbologist in hospital with a case of amnesia that dulls his showy wits. Then, Mr. Browns begins with his crazily grandiose narrative with Robert’s beautiful doctor pulling him out of bed so they can race relentlessly through the streets of Florence.

The story is a sinister scheme involving overpopulation and a doomsday plot only Mr. Brown can pen. The story itself involves Transhumanism, genetic manipulation and pandemics. The effect is Dante’s nightmare….and a scavenger hunt to save most humans…. “Inferno” is written in a way that your mind makes assumptions about the story and the characters and throughout we are given ample opportunity to guess and judge but of course we are also proven wrong in the next scene.

The principal characters with important roles alongside Robert Langdon are Sienna Brooks, a doctor, who will help him find the virus Zobrist created, Bertrand Zobrist, a genius scientist who is obsessed with Dante’s Inferno, Elizabet Sinskey, the head of WHO, who hires Langdon to find Zobrist virus, the Provost, head of the Consortium, at first helps Zobrist in securing the virus then the WHO to find the deadly weapon and Vayentha, a Consortium agent, which mission is to follow Langdon. There are also more players with clever roles.

“Inferno” is pretty fast- fetched in many ways but if you do not look too close to details you should find this to be an interesting read.

"The Girl Who Learned to Dream", by Pilar Menen Aventin

The Girl Who Learned to Dream - Pilar Menen Aventin

When the author approached me with the invitation to read her romance book I was quite hesitant. I am not a fan of romance but to my delight the story was not a mushy romance but more of a psychological fiction, a story were the narrative emphasized on the spiritual, emotional and mental life of the main character.

This is a story that encourages dreaming…..

Monica is an unstable individual, looking for love and happiness, not able to get emotional involved for long even married and having a child was not fulfilling. Boy friends in and out of her life although her female friends seemed to last a little longer. The main character tells how she goes about her life, how she feels and what she does. We follow her through different stages of her life. Monica struggles with life and her narrative is filled with emotions. This is very well-done.

At first, it is hard to sympathize with the main character but she slowly creeps up on you….We also have a good mix of supporting characters, each given a broad background and a significant role to play. Some I love and others not so….They do play an important role in the life of Monica. To change the tone the author injected a bit of suspense, two murders and more family drama.

For a good part of the book I really was captivated. I love how Monica pulled me into her dilemma but unfortunately my interest wavered in the last few chapters went the story got a bit preachy and fell into the occult: crystal balls, spiritual dimension, phenomena, magical beliefs, afterlife, transmigration of souls etc….I tuned out from then on. The ending left me with mixed feelings…..Oh well.

"15 Seconds", by Andrew Gross

15 Seconds - Andrew Gross
This is definitely a chilling thriller and one that kept my attention from start to finish. The story is intensive and I devoured it in no time. What a thrill ride this book offers.

It opens with a bang and then on it never lets up. Mainly told in first person narration and by giving us third person perspective not only Mr. Gross shows us how he is a maestro in balancing different point of views and also how his writing can masterful orchestrates sequenced leaps in time and able to manage revelation and indirection beautifully. I was glued to each page as the suspense mounts and the stakes grow larger and larger.

Now that I piqued your curiosity time to meet the protagonist. Dr. Henry Streadman, a famous Boca Raton plastic surgeon and owner of several pain- management clinics is on his way to a medical conference in Jacksonville FLA. Soon after leaving the airport and on his drive to the hotel he is stopped by a sheriff’s deputy for a minor road infraction. Bullied by the officer who threaten him as a major criminal he flees for his life after gun shots are heard and Henry only sees a dead police officer hunched in his patrol car…….Suddenly he is a wanted man…

Now that you have an idea where this story is heading I will let you read and enjoy it without saying more.

This is a great read that hooks you right from the start and moves at a frenetic pace. The chase is a reminder of that other innocent but hunted doctor in “The Fugitive”. Henry also has help in proving his innocence, Carrie Holmes who works at the Sheriff’s office makes his life on the run easier. But first they have to find who is behind all this and by the end they eventually acknowledge they clearly are dealing with an insane person….

There are lots of players in this game of cat and mouse and lots of chilling twists to entertain us. This plot is not overly complex but is very captivating. Some may say we have a stereotypical nice guy as a protagonist who at time does hilariously stupid moves, but he is very likeable. Carrie is an innocent young woman eager to help an innocent man and get to the bottom of the mystery. The crazy murderer is adamant to dishing out his own justice and finally we have a few insignificant minor players added to the mix.

“15 Seconds” is a spine chilling thriller I enjoyed passing time with.
 
 

 

"Children of the Stars", by Mario Escobar

"Children of the Stars" - Mario Escobar

“Children of the Stars” set in 1942 is the story of Jacob and Moses Stein, two Jewish brothers ages 12 and 8, who cross Nazi-occupied France in the hope of reuniting with their parents. It opens with the boys being caught in a raid and taken to the Vel’d’Hiv velodrome, a repurposed detention camp housing thousands of Jews. They manage to escape and thus begin their life on the run. This is their story.….

This fictional tale highlights the value, courage and decision making of the two children as well as the kindness and humanity amid the perils of the Second World War. Although, the brothers are a figment of the author’s imagination, they represent thousands of children who travel across Europe as refugees during WW11. This is about their journey and the people they meet along the way. Many risked their life to help the boys.

With a simple and poetic style, Mario Escobar leaves small pearls for each chapter that make us reflect on the wonderful and brave people who fight against invaders and help those fleeing by welcoming them at the risk of their own life.

But, this tender and sad story seemed so unreal. The boys are too mature for their ages, they think like adults. Parents abandoning children for a better life in Argentina does not resonate well with me. How can they leave their little ones behind during the Nazi occupation? If so, it must have been heartbreaking for the parents….

Although based on historical facts, this story was unlikely because of the age of the protagonists and the very difficult course they take. This novel reads as if segments of different young lives are played out by these two young boys.

This story is all about hope, heart and faith in humanity.

“I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

"At Death's Door", by John W. Mefford

AT Death's Door  - John W. Mefford
Redemption Thriller #23

Alex Trout Thriller #11

Alex and Ozzie always have been the biggest magnets for danger even on a Hawaiian vacation they manage to find themselves in the middle of a deadly encounter with the Yakuza. The theme of this installment is kidnapping, corruption and murder. Who else but our two best protagonists could save the day.

Talk about a nail-biting and edge of your seat suspense. Most of the book holds the excitement as we follow these two discovering that not all who appeared friendly can be trusted….seems even the authority can be corrupted. This story has many twists and turns and trying to figure out who are the good guys and who are the bad guys has kept me guessing till the very end. This is a roller-coaster ride from start to finish.

What a master storyteller, Mr. Mefford knows how to draw you into his story line and never letting you go. He does an outstanding job of making you part of his protagonists’ world in a wild fast-paced way. So much going on: body parts washing up on shore, house blowing up, acquaintance being kidnapped, and fingers being chopped off…. Just a few macabre encounters….

To spice things up Brad Alex’s boyfriend shows up adding turmoil to a shaky relationship. More drama to absorb….and this is so well played out.

I love the story, I love the style, I love the characters but again I love a well thought out thrillers….Mr. Mefford delivers all of this. Well-done.

Mr. Mefford gives us hints that the Alex Trout series is coming to an end with the next installment. Although this will happen I am not worried. He has written sub-series in which characters from different book appear in other novels. Alex will still be active and there to captivate us….hopefully
 
 

 

"Dark Ambitions", by Irene Hannon

"Dark Ambitions" - Irene Hannon

Code of Honor book #3

“Dark Ambitions” is a rip-roaring crime thriller based on the disappearance of an army buddy of Former Captain Rick Jordan. “Boomer” may be in trouble or worst but when he is found dead and the police deem his death accidental Rick is far from being convinced, turns to PI Heather Shields for help and joining force they set out to decipher what could have happened…but they soon find out that someone will stop at nothing to thwart their plan.

I simply loved this psychological mystery filled with lots tension on every page. It has oodles action, suspense galore to keep us on our toes, a bit of romance to soften the narrative. But what it does well is telling us how money and the search for power can corrupt anyone. This tale is neatly said.

Although part of a series this amazing novel works very well as a standalone. But be warned, if you haven’t read the first two novels you will be very curious to see what is in them. I know I was glued to every word with “Dark Ambitions” and so captivated I couldn’t stop myself from rapidly flipping the pages to see where it would lead. No doubts, the story is fast-paced, has crazy plot twists and an ending I did not see coming. A plus are the amazing characters to entertain us from the get-go.

I enjoyed this book immensely…Kudos

I received this book from the Publisher Revell via the First Reviewer Program for my thoughts