Into the Fire

Going . . . Full Black

                              

Nobody knows you. But they do. Nobody knows where you are. But they do. Nobody knows what you're doing. But they do. You've gone Full Black. Full Black is the 10th novel in the Brad Thor thriller series featuring Scot Harvath.

     "Born in the shadows and kept from heads of state, some missions are so deadly, so sensitive, that they simply don't exist." Blurb from Full Black by Brad Thor

A shrewd self-made billionaire who'd changed his names multiple times and settled upon James Standing decides he wants to rule the world. Having used capitalism to its max, the wealthy man holds himself above everyone else in intelligence and earnings capacity but instead of living up to the measure of how he wants the world to be, he hires terrorists to cause the changes he needs to bring America to its knees since the USA is really the only government still in his way. Literally owning important politicians and those in espionage in other countries, he engineers terrible acts of terror and then disposes of those who could be a threat to identifying him. He belittles and berates those "under" him and threatens them when plans fail. He becomes drunk with power and determines he can do anything he wants with the right moves and people in place. And for awhile he succeeds.

With the help of Nicholas (aka The Troll), the dead-ends which continue to frustrate Scot and his employer at The Carlton Group are slowly brought together to determine who is orchestrating what and what exactly is happening. The difficulties encountered in Yemen continue in Sweden where a team of special operatives is lost and one undercover agent is seriously wounded. Scot isn't taking any of it lightly. Someone knows more than they should and they're not on the good guy's side.  

Nicholas is working hard to discover and assist, but it's slow going getting to root of the evil plans and who is orchestrating them. Finally, between Scot and Nicholas, a clue is found and Scot must go full black. 

The parallels to a well-known figure in today's world cannot be ignored. Depicting the wickedness of this type of individual is superbly done, and the apropos ending for someone like this is fitting and satisfying. Brad Thor captures the passion men like Scot Harvath own to do what they must do to keep their country safe. It's often ugly, but the necessity for survival makes it tantamount to do whatever it takes. There are no substitutes for all out releases of deadly force, incredible intelligence, and using every possible weapon and venture to stop the assaults on America. Only a few have the abilities to accomplish these difficult missions successfully.

Full Black is another incredible must-read from Brad Thor. 

 

Father, I continue to ask your blessings on Brad's life and family. Open doors for him and help him to write those stories you have just for him to tell. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

 

 

 

Related articles

Use of Force, a Highly Recommended Military Thriller Audiobook by Brad Thor

What is . . . The First Commandment

Who is . . . The Last Patriot

Foreign Agent by Brad Thor - Exkalibur.com

Sunday's Offerings

     Some of you have become arrogant, as if I were not coming to you. But I will come to you very soon, if the Lord is willing, and then I will find out not only how these arrogant people are talking, but what power they have. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. What do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a whip, or in love and with a gentle spirit? 

 

1 Corinthians 4:18-21 (NIV)

Friday Five

                     

                              Excerpt from 5th chapter of WIP Race:

     We heard her before we saw her reaming the security guard who’d put up one hand in defense and cocked his head in an attempt to cool the lady’s rapid fire repartee. Her arms wind-milled around pointing into the victim’s room and encompassed the shedrow. Neither of us moved for at least 30 seconds, watching the breeze catch her Farrah Fawcett hair and play with it. Finally the guard pointed toward us and the woman stomped her brown leather boots and sprayed on designer jeans in our direction. Her Levi jacket hung open exposing a pale pink form-fitting scooped-neck top which drew our eyes to the tan flesh protruding and bouncing with each stride. I sensed Jesse throw a quick glance my way and I stepped forward into the shedrow to greet who I assumed must be Mrs. Trainer in a tizzy. Also a potential suspect now that I could see what she looked like.

     “Speak of the devil?” Jesse said softly, barely moving his lips.

     “Officers, what happened to Roman? He can’t be dead! He helped me switch my ponies last night. He—”

     “What time was that, ma’am?”

     “It’s Renee Casey. And—” She hesitated. “Sometime after eleven, I guess. Why?”

     Jesse jumped in with a good question. “Do you always exchange horses that late at night?”

     She glared at him and her tone took on a condescending note. “I exchange horses whenever I feel like it, Officer—”

     “It’s Detective, ma’am. I’m Detective Jesse Davidson and this is Detective David James.”

     “Well, Detectives,” she said, ice forming a glacier around each word, “I had to run a horse in the last race and our pony horse pulled up sore so I had to go home, get my trailer, and bring another one back.”

     I wouldn’t want to be in the area if Mr. and Mrs. Trainer ever got in a tussle. It’d be hard to say at this point who might win that skirmish.

     “Mrs. Casey, we don’t know yet what happened to Mr. Diego, but he is dead. And so far only you and his girlfriend happened to be in the vicinity around the time he passed,” I said as gently as I could muster.

     “Well, Detective, he was alive and well when I left the barn. And Carmella wasn’t here—probably out partying. The only other person at the barn last night was Dr. Sims, Ronnie, the vet. She and Roman had some vet work to do. Our other grooms weren’t available.”

     The almost empty syringe in the garbage can flashed to mind.

     “Was Dr. Sims here when you arrived?” Jesse asked.

     “Yes.”

     I noted the slightest bristling at the question. “When you left?”

     Hesitation. “No.” She scuffed the toe of her leather boot in the shedrow dirt. “They were finished by the time I got my pony unloaded. I called for Roman to get the horse I was taking home.”

     “So you switched the horses and then hung around for a bit before leaving?” Jesse made sure his voice sounded strictly business without implication.

     She shoved hands in her jacket pockets and looked to her right down the shedrow. “I had some things to take care of in the office, so it took me a few minutes to get out of here.”

     “Do you know where Roman was when you left?” I asked.

     Her voice strained. “In his tack room I assume.”

     “Thank you for your time, Mrs. Casey,” I said.

     “When is all this tape going to come down? We have a business to run here. That tape can be very disruptive to Thoroughbreds.”

     I’m not putting racetrackers down because they’re just regular people, but most of them would never use the word “disruptive” in this situation. Mrs. Trainer had some education, and I wondered about her background before becoming Mrs. Trainer. From the looks of her and what I could remember from grainy newspaper photos of Walter Casey, the missus was considerably younger and much better looking than her husband.

     Jesse replied to her question, making an effort to execute his politest voice, but the answer was “up to our determination”. She literally huffed away to the other side of the barn.

 

Father, thank you for it all. Again and again. Always desperate for you. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

Throwback Thursday

("Figuring out those . . . Opening Moves" originally posted on September 9th, 2012)

                                

Opening Moves by Steven James is the prequel to the Patrick Bowers Series (The Pawn, The Rook, The Knight, The Bishop, The Queen; The King is due out in July 2013). Published by New American Library, a division of Penguin Group (USA) Inc., Opening Moves has been released in Mass Market Paperback.

Steven James tells readers in the first sentence of his foreword that he had nightmares while writing this novel. He'd have to be one cold-hearted beast not to have had some kind of adverse reactions while composing this work. This is the introduction to the young Patrick Bowers, homicide detective, the one who can't escape recurring nightmares of his teenage discovery of a young female victim of a terrible killer in a tree house and that of another little girl buried alive by the same man.

If you've read this series, you're well acquainted with the talented Steven James. The master storyteller, the complex plots, the literary prowess . . . and the dark natures of the savages he portrays so vividly. This is the story which gives us a less cynical Patrick Bowers, a man who still considers and contemplates things like heaven and hell, justice and reckoning, love and hate, good and evil, God and . . . He examines his own demons clawing at him to escape their boundaries when certain situations arise and he wants unmitigated justice and wants it immediately. Opening Moves blows off all restrictions on the evil of villains. Readers are methodically guided into the darkness of multiple characters which will chill most souls. The TV series Criminal Minds has nothing on Opening Moves. Steven connects all the dots in this masterful plot.

It seems there is a killer who kidnaps victims and threatens to kill them if their loved ones refuse to follow precise acts which require them to deposit others at specific markers in the city. These markers are significant because they note the locations of crimes committed by some of the worst serial killers. Even though the instructions are followed, one of the victims experiences a gruesome mutilation.

Detective Bowers is joined by the gigantic Ralph Hawkins from the FBI, and as they bicker and joke about who's leading the investigation, they cement a solid trust and friendship. Those who've read the series will note this is where we meet the astute Dr. Werjonic who implements the geographic profiling into Patrick's repertoire and is added to the investigation as a consultant leading Patrick to the location of another terrible crime and killer.

Most of the time we're in Patrick's head as his first person accounts of the goings-on in the investigation keep us on edge. Alternating with Patrick's growing knowledge and perspectives, we listen to the demonic logic of the killer, learning of his demented childhood, his "normal" double life, and his compulsion to do what he does while wondering if redemption can cover his deeds.

Plus we are introduced to the brilliant and excoriating young nemesis who has gained the dubious and infamous nickname of "Maneater" in the most literal sense of the word. It's a familiar character to readers of this series, and now we know his origin.

A true crime thriller novelist, Steven James has written his darkest novel yet. Recalling true stories of evil serial killers and adding fictitious ones to the mix, this is not a book for the squeamish. However, for devoted Steven James' fans, prepare for a harrowing ride through the pages of Opening Moves, a portrayal of the darkest threads of humanity, contrasting them to those who struggle to do right and good in the midst of horror. A quick, pulsing read with sinister philosophical implications, a touch of faith, and a cast of dedicated pursuers of incredible evil: some to embrace it and others to extinguish it.      
 
Father, you have given us all a purpose in our writing. Please watch over Steven as he goes to the depths to expose evil for what it is. May he honor you in all he does and all he writes. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

Coming Soon . . .

     

Here's what I think: American Assassin by the late inimitable Vince Flynn deserves to have its incredible story followed to the letter. Here's what isn't happening with the movie American Assassin: following the bestselling novel with much accuracy to the story. Having said that, it looks like it's going to be a decent thriller to watch but will probably disappoint diehard Vince Flynn/Mitch Rapp fans such as myself if we can't wrap our heads around the casting of Mitch and Irene (his CIA handler). And I can't.

This isn't to say that neither of those actors aren't qualified and talented. It is to say that neither of them even remotely fit my impression of Mitch Rapp or Irene. And I'm not alone in my perceptions. If you read the commentary of those Flynn fans who've seen the trailers, there's a lot of disappointment. A lot. We loved the original story and premise of each book in the series, and this script flies in the face of an excellent story and somehow arrives at the conclusion that they could make it "better", "more contemporary", or who knows what they were thinking when they wrote the script and cast the roles? Clearly, they had no compulsion to stick to the storyline.

I will go to see it. I will pay my money to see it. I will view it as a thriller. I doubt very seriously I will exit the theatre with the feeling that I've just watched a film rendition of Vince Flynn's first prequel American Assassin in the amazing Mitch Rapp series. And that's a shame. 

 

Father, we are grateful to you for every creative inspiration we own. Thank you for Vince Flynn's devotion to his family, to his work, to his patriotism, and most of all for his love for you. He is missed, Lord. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

 

Tuesday Tunes

      

I loved this song so much. I nicknamed a race horse I took care of "Tiny Dancer". Still love this song. One of the best of so much of Elton John's music. 

 

Father, you know our hearts and souls. You revive our dead spirits if we're willing to give up death for life eternal. Thank you is never enough. Love you, Jesus. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

 

Deemed . . . The Apostle

                               

This passage opens Brad Thor's eighth novel in the Scot Harvath series The Apostle: 

              In our nation's war on terror, a new breed of operator has emerged. Passionately dedicated to their craft, they ignore the trials and hardships of their profession and work tirelessly in the face of limited support and bloated bureaucracies to achieve one singular goal -- mission success.

          Motivated by a deep and undying love for their country, these operators willingly face intense danger so that America may remain free. 

          Once labeled "true believers," this term no longer applies. These warriors have become Apostles.

Surprised to be summoned by the new less-inclined-to-use-men-like-Scot Harvath president, Scot is asked to do something he's not sure he can morally do. The major donor and close associate to the president's campaign has learned her doctor daughter has been kidnapped in Afghanistan. The ransom for her is the freedom of a jailed terrorist. Scot has no problem with trying to find and free the woman, but exchanging her for the freedom of a brutal terrorist rubs him the wrong way. Nevertheless, he agrees to go after the doctor. 

Scot has friends in unsafe places all over the world and Afghanistan is one of them. As always, they're ready to help with everything he needs including connections in the "neighborhood". The main problems arise from the common reference initials "TIA" (This Is Afghanistan). The Taliban leader in the area is feared and resented, but there are a few men who are willing to risk it all to provide information and assistance.

Meanwhile back in the states, a devoted Secret Service Agent learns the president she voted for might have been involved in a critical act. Although she'd quit the police force to become a Secret Service Agent because she didn't see herself as becoming a detective, she launches a personal investigation into the matter as unobtrusively as she can. At first, it's difficult, but as she speaks with some of her fellow agents, she realizes her suspicions might not be too far off base.

Scot learns where the woman was held and plots a course to enter the Taliban village. Information gathered gives them some new options, but Scot quickly realizes they might have to enlist the assistance of the Canadian liaison who Scot believes is a clandestine operative. His objective was to keep as few persons involved as possible, but circumstances require more help than they have. A surprise move by the Afghan government both surprises and confounds their plans to capture the terrorist they need if an exchange is required. 

Back in the states, the investigation heats up and the outcome requires serious soul-searching for more than one Secret Service Agent.

Filled with incredible descriptions of the Afghan landscape, culture, townships, mini-strangleholds of power, the constant conflicts, the morose circumstances and sometimes forced lifestyles of the citizens of this country, The Apostle is an amazing story of perseverance, bravery, mercy, and courage by people who've been toughened by horrific conditions and/or victims of tyranny. TIA. 

I highly recommend Brad's books because, like Vince Flynn's (and now Kyle Mills), they're real. They tell the truth and, by so doing, they don't pull punches. Scot Harvath clearly will sacrifice himself to accomplish good and he doesn't flinch from putting down evil. Sometimes reflecting on what he must do gives him pause, but when he considers the alternative, he goes forward with purpose and authority. He is an Apostle.

 

Father, your word is the guide for all we need in this life. It's not easy, but it's Truth. Please help us all to live in truth. Please continue to bless Brad's life, writing, and family. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

 

Sunday's Offerings

     Do not deceive yourselves. If any one of you thinks he is wise by the standards of this age, he should become a "fool" so that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God's sight. As it is written: "He catches the wise in their craftiness"; and again, "The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile." So then, no more boasting about men!

 

1 Corinthians 3:18-21 (NIV)

Friday Five

                     

Excerpt from 5th chapter of . . . in a love song (WIP):

     It was 2:30 when he walked in, the jukebox playing rock ‘n’ roll tunes from the 50s, 60s, and 70s. Not as loud as last evening. The place had a healthy crowd for a Saturday afternoon with several tables occupied. He strode toward the bar and straddled a stool next to his coworker Keith who looked like a hangover danced in his head.

     “Bud, you look like you shoulda left when I did,” Dale kidded.

     Keith looked over with a sly smile after taking a sip of his tomato beer. “And miss all the fun?” His smile turned into a grin.

     “Hmm. Yeah, hard to pass up a little fun, huh? Gotta pay the price, though. You know it ain’t free.”

     “Never is, is it?” And he laughed a bit like that much movement hurt.

     “Here ya go, Trouble. Hope it goes down easy cuz it won’t come up that way.” Pet turned to Dale after setting a plate full of sunny-side up eggs, hash browns, sausage, and toast in front of Keith. “What can I get for you?” Her smile was confident this afternoon.

     “Cheeseburger, fries, and a Coke, please. Heavy on the onions.” He looked her in the eyes when he ordered, and she didn’t flinch.

     “Onions, huh?”

     “No reason not to,” he replied with a subtle smile. That comment got to her ever so slightly.

     “Heavy on the onions it is then.” She turned to get his Coke and when she placed it in front of him, she said, “You got a name?”

     “I’ve been called my fair share of them, but Dale Rivers is my given name.” He held out his hand to her.

     “Patricia Edison. No relation.”

     He smiled at her quip. Her grip was firm, and he didn’t let go for an extra beat. “Nice to meet you, Patricia.”

     For that extra beat, her confidence wavered as it had last night. Her hand was soft, and it felt good in his. He let go. She disappeared into the kitchen.

     “Whoa, dude. What’s up with that?” Keith seemed to have surfaced from his haze.

     “What?”

     “Pet don’t talk to just anybody like that. She makes herself off limits to most everyone.”

     “How come you guys never mentioned anything about her? You filled me in on all these other chicks around town but not her. Why?”

     Keith stared at his eggs for a moment. “Pet’s different.” He took a forkful and shoved it in his mouth, chewed, and then downed a big swig of the red beer.

     “Different how?”

     “She’s a Cadillac. Know what I mean? There’s some nice cars out there, but you know you got somethin’ special with a Cadillac.”

     Dale could see Keith was dead serious. Respect in his tone. Keith kept eating, staring down at his food.

     “Like an El Dorado?”

     “Like a classic shiny red El Dorado only belonged to one owner its whole life.” Keith pushed his plate away and downed the rest of his drink. As he tugged his wallet out of his back pocket, he said, “Word of advice? Don’t go there. See ya Monday.” He put a twenty on the counter and walked out.

     Dale turned slightly on his stool and watched him leave.

 

Father, thank you for it all. The inspiration, the words, the everything. Apart from you, I can do nothing. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

     

Throwback Thursday

        (Originally posted on June 20th, 2014 with its first cover.)      

                  

Miranda Warning by Heather Day Gilbert is the first in the A Murder in the Mountains Series.

Miranda Warning begins with a stunning paragraph penned in first person much  like a journal or diary entry. The entries continue throughout the story from past to present and reveal a character who is deeply troubled. 

 
Miranda is the 69 year old best friend of a young-married woman named Tess Spencer. Tess and her up-and-coming lawyer husband Thomas are still paying off student loans, live in Thomas' parents' small cottage across the driveway from their house, and have just discovered Tess is pregnant. After two years of marriage and so many financial difficulties, Tess can't imagine being ready for a baby but is simultaneously excited and nervous.

Tess's ties to Miranda go back to when Tess was a young teen whose dad was long gone and whose mother was in and out of trouble with the law over drugs. Miranda rescued the young Tess, showed her love and commitment, introduced her to God, and became her best friend. Miranda, now a widow, has suffered both a heart attack and a stroke which has left her in a wheel chair where she resides in the plush assisted living "resort" called The Haven. Still sharp in her insights and resolute in her faith, Miranda receives a threatening letter from what appears to be a long-dead friend.

Enter Tess to the rescue. To return the unsoliticed favor to Miranda, Tess is compelled to investigate this haunting warning to her friend. In the process of her desire to help, Tess receives some personal warnings, gets followed, has ghostly stalkers appear on her in-law's property, receives flowers with hidden meanings delivered by an old college acquaintance, and manages to rile up her husband and family who want to protect her.

Progressing from the typical young wife, who only knows what guys are like in her perceived notions of them, to the increasingly hormonal pregnant woman, Tess is sometimes a super sleuth, sometimes an over-protective jealous child, and sometimes just a carelessly obsessed friend on the hunt for whoever is threatening her friend and her. She's usually armed with her knife because she can't carry the Glock without a permit, but this doesn't always reassure her or her husband that she's safe as the threatening incidents increase.

There are many more details and characters in this well-written story of betrayal, resentment, revenge, friendship, forgiveness, loyalty, and love, but I'll let readers investigate along with Tess's first person account of her adventurous pursuits in solving the mystery of the Miranda Warning.

Heather Day Gilbert has written an enticing tale to begin her series, endearing us to many of the characters, creating a credible mystery with snapshots of truly humorous quips of internal dialogue, behaviors, and circumstances. A good first  novel in A Murder in the Mountains Series. 

 
Father, please continue to keep Heather in your care, diagramming her writing journey, filling her with stories you have just for her to tell. Watch over her and keep her safe from all harm. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.  

Truth in Fiction

         

No one likes to read fiction or watch "entertaining" films with a concrete agenda - especially if it disagrees with our own. However, there are some truths which cannot be ignored especially in particular genres. Political and espionage thrillers pack a lot of punch when done well, and the only way to do them well is to include a significant amount of truthful elements.

Two authors who excel at these truths with no holds barred, political correctness be you-know-what'd, and by so doing have managed to collect huge audiences precisely because of their truthfulness and realism. The late Vince Flynn and his masterful creation of covert super-operative/assassin Mitch Rapp wrote some of the most impactful novels of the current messes in this world and Kyle Mills has successfully continued Vince's legacy with his power-packed continuations of the Mitch Rapp sagas. Brad Thor created Scot Harvath who, like Mitch Rapp, is out for the truth and not afraid to recognize and neutralize evil in whatever forms are necessary. It's black and white for these operatives. Good v. evil. Rarely grey areas.  

In order to demonstrate straightforward truth in these thrillers, the authors I mentioned must engage reliable research to reinforce their core stories. Make no mistake: they do. Their insider information is second to none which is the main reason their novels pack such a realistic punch and give them the "right" to expound on matters of truth. 

Here are just a few snippets of these truths in fiction from author Brad Thor: 

     Between intensive interrogations, Roussard had had time to think - lots of it. And in that time, certain things had become clear to him. America's time was drawing near.

     It wouldn't happen in months or even years, but in a matter of decades, America would fall. It was already happening. It was happening right before the eyes of every American, yet they were too fat and happy with their Big Gulps and satellite television to see it. (Antagonist Roussard, "Juba" from The First Commandment by Brad Thor)

     "You overestimate the people of this nation. They are soft and stupid. The reason political correctness and multiculturalism exists is because they are too lazy to hold others to what it once meant to be American. This nation is dying and we are not the problem; we are the solution. Islam - true, pure Islam - is what will save America."  (Sheikh Omar from The Last Patriot by Brad Thor) 

These are just a couple of the sterling examples of displaying and characterizing truth in fiction. It's important to note when you're tackling thrillers of this kind, realism is imperative and truth had better not be scarce. These authors tackle current events and the political climate with deft intelligence and understanding that comes from having learned from those who've experienced the worst of humanity in crisis situations. To be able to depict and tell the truth in fiction is an art form that establishes these authors as the best in their genres.

 

Father, you are Truth. You will prevail. This world as we know it will eventually pass away. You will not. You offer us forever with you through Jesus. Draw the lost to you, Lord. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

 

 

 

 

What is . . . The First Commandment

Who is . . . The Last Patriot

 

Tuesday Tunes

                

Another good one from long ago. Fun remembering. And we never forget the words of these old songs . . . 

 

Father, you're the Author of Life, the only One who can save us all. Thank you, Jesus. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

 

Who is . . . The Last Patriot

                                          

The Last Patriot is Brad Thor's seventh book in the Scot Harvath series. 

If you're an early American history buff and particularly interested in Thomas Jefferson's unique capabilities and experience with the Muslim Barbary Coast pirates, The Last Patriot is the thriller for you. The unique premise presented in Thor's story is of his making, but mixed in with much fiction are some fascinating facts. In the Author's Note at the end of the novel, Brad separates the facts from the fiction for his readers. 

Scot Harvath and his recovering love Tracy are celebrating their days together in Paris while Scot attempts to leave behind his counterterrorism efforts for a less dangerous and nomadic lifestyle, but Tracy knows he'll never be able to accomplish leaving that life behind. Besides being too talented, skilled, and wired for the superior talent it takes to be a supreme operative in an ever-threatening hot-plate of terror, proving that point Scot cannot believe what he's viewing from a café and dashes to stop what he thinks could be a critical situation. He's right of course and while saving a man's life, he, Tracy, and the man have inadvertently stumbled into their personal cauldron of evil.

As the three Americans learn who each other are, the danger escalates when their pursuit involves getting possession of an original copy of a Don Quixote book. The peril brings Tracy to her knees as the crippling headaches she failed to sufficiently acknowledge to Scot and her desire to see Scot do what he does best in a crisis situation cause her to do the unthinkable while Scot is out securing answers.

You might wonder how all of this could possibly involve Thomas Jefferson, but this little mystery is quite complex and the details spread from Rome to Paris to Washington DC. Once again, Scot Harvath cannot escape his training, his ingenuity, his bravery and bravado while trying to keep people safe - except for those who must be killed. Devoted to justice and defending his country's welfare around the globe, he finds a way to do the right things in spite of the difficulties and dangers.

The fascinating facts incorporated into this work of fiction make for a history-buff's dream novel. Another entertaining read from Brad Thor.  

 

Father, again I pray you would continue to inspire Brad with more stories just for him to tell. Let him know how much you love him and please guide his every step. Keep him and his family safe from all harm. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

 

Sunday's Offerings

". . . Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent." 

 

John 17:3 (NIV)

A beginning . . .

                                      

Prelude

She could make smoking a cigarette look elegant, seductive . . . and dangerous even. Chic. Cool. And somehow romantic. Of course she could make anything look good. She appeared taller than she was, standing flat-footed at maybe 5’ 7”. It was probably the shoes. Often those very high skinny heels somehow lifting that lithe, narrow frame. I saw her in the summertime out there against the building with her cigarette, her skin nearly bronze and not one bit unnaturally enhanced. Standing there in the rain of late winter under the generous overhang, well, leaning really, against the coarse white brick of the building, it was almost the color of ivory. So fair. I wondered how she didn’t burn in the summer sun. On the one occasion when I saw her smile in the last year, her teeth were a dazzling white—right out of a toothpaste commercial or a mailer ad from a dentist for the new Zoom 2 whitening method. No smoker’s stain on those pearly whites.

Anyway . . .

That’s basically how the whole thing began. By casually, unintentionally, watching her smoke . . .

 

Father, thank you for characters, words, stories, true inspiration. Apart from you, I can do nothing. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

Throwback Thursday

 (Originally published on May 17th, 2015 under "Enclosed in . . . Memory Box Secrets".)

 

                    

Memory Box Secrets by Brenda S. Anderson is the third book in the Coming Home Series preceded by the prequel Pieces of Granite and the first book Chain of Mercy.

Familiar characters Richard and Sheila have married and are looking forward to making a family and forgetting their pasts, but it's never quite that easy to discard those places where hurt and pain were the norm and the ability to absolve oneself of guilt is a trial all its own. Well aware their mistakes have been forgiven by God's grace, their enjoyment of one another and their future together looks golden.

Richard's business is flourishing, and Sheila has always exceled at her work. Their common objective is to raise a family. Sheila wants to be the loving parent she never had, her mother an ice queen, her dad distant. Her new in-laws are near perfect in the family department, and she's grateful for their loving acceptance.

When Richard's former employer in Manhattan calls asking him to return, not only is he shocked at their offer, he's afraid to even consider it. The fast, indulgent New York lifestyle had been his undoing and those personal memories from that season of his life bring only heartache.

Before I say anymore about this story of hope and heartbreak, forgiving and unforgiving, joy and pain, I would like to say Memory Box Secrets is Brenda S. Anderson's best work yet. Handling difficult issues with tenderness and insight, Brenda takes the reader on an emotional journey through the excruciating pain of adults and young people forced to make impossible decisions.  

Memory Box Secrets examines the "befores" of several lives and their consequences which lead to the "afters". Besides these circumstances, the different kinds of pain embodied in the past desperately need healing in the present. While I've never been particularly fond of Sheila, she displays some endearing qualities in this episode of her life. Having her early past revealed more clearly in a stunning scene with her mother, she is ill-prepared for what she learns. When trauma happens, she reverts to her closed-off self-preservation, pushing away the man who loves her while not allowing God to ease her pain.

The peripheral characters are well-designed and add substance to the story. The faith factor is always present but blends organically with the characters. There are hard moments in this story, the kind that elicit tears, but each moment is well-worth the emotional investment of this very well-written story of sinful pasts and healed futures, of abandonment and rekindled love, of personal sorrow and renewed hope. Brenda's unforeseen twists add depth to the complex situations in play.

Highly recommend Memory Box Secrets in this Coming Home Series by Brenda S. Anderson.  

 

Father, please continue to bless Brenda with meaningful stories designed just for her to tell. Encourage her and give her what she needs to keep this part of her life thriving in you. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

 

It's just . . . emotion

    

Who knows why some of us are more emotional than others? Only God. Emotion is essential to writers because they have to be able to convey it to a reader in diverse circumstances. Some of us automatically display our emotions and others of us have learned to - or naturally do - conceal our emotions while still others of us aren't easily prone to emotional responses to many situations. 

Writing emotional moments in literature requires a deft touch. How much is too much resulting in sappy prose? How little is too scant resulting in a bevy of non-reactions from readers which tends to disengage most from the seriousness or importance of the scene?

I confess to my sappy nature - crying at certain commercials, almost anything military or having to do with animals, saying goodbyes, demonstrations of real love, and not the least of which is sheer gratitude to God for his graciousness and benevolence to me. And the list goes on. No wonder I write love stories, huh? Because I feel deeply, I do my best to make that emotion (those kinds of emotions) roar off the pages of my novels where necessary. I can't tell you whether or not I accomplish it without being sappy or sentimental or even melodramatic. I could say the evidence of my own tears at some of the scenes I've written is inconclusive because of my ability to cry - and feel it deeply - at any given moment. 

Romantic notions aside, the emotions created from rage and anger, resentments and bitterness, jealousy, lust, power-seeking, whatever one might experience, all of them must pack the proverbial punch on the page of a book. They must take the reader to that place in their emotional makeup which puts them in the middle of the conflict with the character(s). 

There can be no hard and fast rule for conveying these emotions regardless of what they are. Instruction can add insights as to what might work on a page such as short sentences, phrases, or halting one word expressions. Designed to create or assist with emotional revelation simply by the structure of the words must also carry the impact because of the specific words used. 

Sometimes it's a daunting task: getting just the right amount of emotion to take the readers on the journey you intend for them and hope they have. Not an easy road to write but a necessary one.

 

Lord God, thank you for giving me this emotional makeup. I feel deeply but I know it's not even close to what you feel. The pain you endure to save the human soul - I can't imagine it. Thank you, Jesus. In the Name of Jesus, Amen. 

Tuesday Tunes

             

One of their truly great songs. I remember being young and in love . . . 

 

Lord, your principles are truth. They're still valid and real. Their value will never end. Thank you for giving me a part in your Kingdom. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

 

Making that . . . Point of Contact

                  

The Tom Clancy legacy continues with multiple authors. Mike Maden headlines Point of Contact featuring Jack Ryan Jr. and his escapade in Singapore. 

When a former senator working for a defense contractor requests the specific "borrowing" of Hendley Associates' Jack Ryan Jr. and forensic accountant Paul Brown for a vetting of a Singapore high-tech company (Dalfan Technologies), Gerry Hendley sends the reluctant employees together on the mission. Jack is upset because he prefers the "black" missions over the "white" missions within Hendley Associates, but there's no turning this down for either Jack or Paul Brown.

The particular company playing host to the two men provides a home close to their facility, a car, and heavy-duty security. This puts Paul Brown in a deep bind because the former senator has given him a secret thumb drive he needs Paul to implement into the company's hardware to insure there are no hidden problems within the business. At least that's the story he gives Paul requiring him to keep it a secret just between them. The tight security which includes putting a tail on Jack agitates him and makes him wonder why it's necessary.

When Jack and Paul are introduced to the family who owns and operates Dalfan, Jack sees the tension between the father and son but none between the father and the beautiful daughter who now both operate the company. As the examination and investigation get started, Jack is given a tour of the amazing facility where innovation and technology have merged into impressive displays. Paul Brown feels the pressure when he realizes it will be near impossible to insert the thumb drive into Dalfan's computer, so he secretly seeks private instruction and assistance from another professional stateside.

The intrigue increases through an odd encounter with three Aussies after Jack and the daughter share some time out together. Instances keep occurring which make Jack suspicious of the son, and he starts doing some private investigation of his own. However, a rare typhoon is headed their way complicating Jack's concerns and the timeline for their stay.

Suffice it to say there are multiple searches, dangers, suspicions, and covert activities going on before the real criminals are discovered. And although the beauty of Singapore is described and accentuated throughout the story, there is a truly "big-brother" type of surveillance taking place all over the island. 

An entertaining read with Jack Ryan Jr. displaying his Spec Ops instincts and his youthful stubbornness. 

 

Father, you supply the talent. It's up to us to use it. Thank you for your many writers. I pray they would ultimately honor you with their work. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.

 

  

Sunday's Offerings

     "My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message . . ." [Jesus]

 

     John 17:20 (NIV)