True to You

"When they came to a light, she glanced across the small space in time to see him slide on a pair of sunglasses. Nora sighed inwardly. She might literally combust from the force of her attraction to him and be reduced to nothing but vapor. If that happened, it would be totally worth it. A good way to go."

Plain old Nora Bradford was someone most wouldn't give a second look to. She wasn't unattractive, but she also didn't go out of her way to make anyone notice her either. After being rejected by her former fiancè Harrison two months before her wedding, she wasn't looking for love any time soon. Working as the director of the Library of the Green Museum, she was the village's expert genealogist and historian. She also volunteered with her sister Britt to help out Lawson Training Incorporated in their corporate emergency terrorist training exercise and the last thing she expected was to be carried out of the building by John Lawson, the Owner and CEO of the company.

While she attempted to make conversation with John, she explained what she did in hopes of of keeping him from rushing off to quickly. He was interested in her, very interested. Only not in the way, Nora had hoped. He needed someone to help him locate his birth mother before he lost his eyesight to a disease that was inherited through his family genes. Only in his case he didn't know who they were and that is where he would need Nora's help. As she tries to keep her attraction for John in check she does some of her own research on him and discovers he is a former Navy SEAL who was awarded the Medal of Honor as well as a bit of celebrity when a book on SEAL Team 6 renders him a bit of a hero. A movie has also been made about his military campaign but he doesn't see himself in that light. It is something he wants to put behind him and hopes to find his biological parents before his blindness renders him without his sight.

I received True to You by Becky Wade compliments of Baker Publishing Group and Net Galley. In accordance with the new FTC Guidelines for blogging and endorsements, you should assume that every book reviewed here at Reviews From The Heart was provided to the reviewer by the publisher, media group or the author for free and were received, unless specified otherwise.  This is such a wonderful new series, The Bradford Sister's Romance, and this is the first novel in that series. The sparks are definitely flying between the two as they try to keep their feelings intact because John is currently in a relationship and no matter how much he tries to deny his feelings for Nora, he knows he has an obligation with his current girlfriend. The two will soon discover they have more in common than they ever imagined and it might just be the thing that pulls them apart for good. I give this one a 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion. This novel as includes Reader Discussion Questions that would make a great addition for a book club.

For more information about True to You, Becky Wade or where to pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

True to You by Becky Wade

You can find Becky Wade on Facebook to stay up to date on all her latest books.

To read more reviews on True to You, please visit Baker Publishing Group's website. 

Navy Seal Noel

When the XO's daughter is abducted by what he believes is a drug cartel terrorists, Navy SEAL Will Gumble is asked to retrieve her. Knowing what is at risk to take on this off the record assignment will mean that Will will have no team to back him up or any authorization to act on behalf of the SEAL team to which he has been a part of. If he fails, it will undoubtedly mean the loss of his life, as well as that of Jessalynn McCoy. But it is a risk he is willing to take.

Jess was working as a bioscientist working on the effects of an airborne pathogen known as Morsyni. She was kidnapped and taken against her will to work on the project in a remote jungle. She has no idea where she is only that by doing this, millions will die if the pathogen is released into the air. Not to mention the facility where they expect her to do the work, is less than adequate. A high school science lab would offer more optimal conditions. She knows her father will do what he can to find a way to rescue her, so she tries to buy here time figuring out a way out of the highly guarded jungle compound. In fact the last person she believes will be coming would be Will.

After their tattered friendship that was broken when she was considering marrying his brother Sal, Jess decided to take up going to college and working on a degree to forget the man she had true feelings for. Only he decided to walk away from her and join the Navy. But that is just who shows up posed as an undercover scientist familiar with working with the Morsyni virus. Now between the two they will have just days to come up with a plan to figure out how to get the chemical and them to safety and back in the United States before it's too late.

I received Navy SEAL Noel by Liz Johnson compliments of the author for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review and the opinions are strictly my own. This is the third book in the Men of Valor series from Liz Johnson and I have been blessed to read them all. This time the relationship between Jess and Will that we saw in the first novel A Promise to Protect has resurfaced once again to give closure to readers on the outcome of Jess and Will at last. I love how Liz Johnson executed this one and provided the outcome I was hoping for. The Love Inspired division of Harlequin Romance, gives readers the romance they are looking for in a Christian context. This one is the perfect size to tuck away in your purse to take with you whenever you find yourself with free time to read. For those of you that love a great action adventure with some Black Ops heroes along with the perfect touch of romance, you'll want to pick this one up. I rate this one a 4.5 out of 5 stars.

For more information about Navy SEAL Noel, Liz Johnson or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Navy SEAL Noel by Liz Johnson

You can find Liz Johnson on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

Seal of God

From the moment you pick up Seal of God by Chad Williams, you will be completely hooked until the very end. We all have an interest in things we don't know an awful lot about, the secret training required of Navy SEALs, the bond that is created once you have passed all the grueling training that would leave most of us in the dust, but there is something honest about the story that Chad Williams shares about his own journey in trying to find something to fill the empty hole in his life. This is a true story of how one SEAL found God and how he is using his testimony to change lives forever.

Chad Williams wanted more than simply going through the motions required of us all. You attend school, graduate, head to college and plan on gaining an education that will set the foundation for the remainder of your life. But somewhere along the way, Chad realized he wanted something more than what everyone was doing. He wanted to make his life count for something more than a paper you hang on the way. He wanted to be able to look back and be amazed he did something that only a handful would ever dream of doing. He wanted to become a Navy SEAL.

His father was less than thrilled to learn that Chad was giving up on the college dream to pursue something he didn't believe Chad could do. Mostly into hanging out with his skateboarding buddies, partying from the success he found at being a professional skateboarder and earning sponsors like Vans, Chad enjoyed the popularity and fame that came from that but something was still missing. He vowed he would endure whatever Hell the military would put him through just to make it to the end, despite what his father felt was sure to be a bonafide attempt and failure. In fact before Chad even made it to training and enrollment, his father, contacted a Navy SEAL and begged him to show Chad he didn't have what it took to even begin this journey into the military. The man agreed to meet Chad and invited him to "come and play" via an email. Was Chad up for the challenge?

The challenge would be something that would change not only Chad, but his father and the man who would train him and become his mentor through Chad's entire journey, US Navy Seal, Scott Helvenston. What started out as an effort to make something of himself to be proud of, would take him into a journey of darkness and horror beyond anything most of our minds can't comprehend and in the end would leave him a far different man than he ever dreamed possible.

I received Seal of God by Chad Williams as a purchase and did not receive any monetary compensation for a favorable review. I had the rare opportunity to witness Chad Williams speak at our church in California, and he is both engaging, charismatic and convincing. His testimony speaks of the love of friendship, the bond of brothers the SEALs share, the price of revenge, and the cost of loss of life of those we love and admire. It is a heart-breaking journey into the darkness of finding it all, achieving success and winding up empty when you arrive because the fulfillment we find when we rise to the top of corporate ladders is empty and the only thing there is people trying to knock you off and take your place at all costs. This is an eye opener for any one looking to find purpose in their own life. For Chad Williams, the journey wasn't an easy one, one he might not want to take again, but it is one worth all the blood, sweat and tears he faced to get where he is today. In my opinion, well worth every 5 out of 5 stars. For those looking at what it really takes to get into the Navy SEALs or to find purpose in your own life, check this one out.

For more information about Seal of God, Chad Williams, or where you can get a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Seal of God by Chad Williams

You can also find Chad Williams on Facebook to stay updated on all his latest happenings in his life.

Seal Under Siege - Review and Giveaway

Staci Hayes knew that once the Navy SEALS rescued her from Lybania the threat on her life didn't end there. Now if she can only find the one person who might be able to help her, the only person who might believe that she isn't suffering from the effects of PTSD that everyone else thinks is plaguing her, the one man whose blue eyes she looked into the night he saved her. Yet how could she find him again. She didn't even know his name, just that his team referred to him as L.T.

Once a rescue mission is complete, the SEALS are expected not to get involved with anyone who was part of that mission. However when Staci Hayes showed up in a secure facility where he was, looking completely lost and at the end of her rope, he didn't have the heart to tell her that he couldn't get involved any longer. Yet somehow against his better judgment, Lt. Tristan Sawyer did just that. He gave Staci the time to tell him what she knew and how the threat on her life wasn't over. In fact, based on what she took from the prison in Lybania is now a matter of national security and the risks of millions of lives are on the  line. If only he could figure out the clues in the hand drawn map that showed the Coronado Naval base and the surrounding area.

In the latest novel from Liz Johnson in the Love Inspired Series, Seal Under Siege, takes the reader into not only an action packed suspense story but also weaves a heartwarming romance in between. Yet both Staci and Tristan have secrets that are preventing either of them in getting any more involved that simply working out the threat on San Diego. But when Staci's live is put on the line, Tristan has to admit that he can't always be there to be the one to save her. He has to make a decision, to back away and risk tearing his heart out, or go all in and learn what it means to risk it all in the name of love.

I received Seal Under Siege by Liz Johnson compliments of the author herself and received no monetary compensation for a favorable review. Having read A Promise to Protect before which outlines the storyline between Tristan's sister, Ashley Waterstone and her husband Matt, this one cuts right to your heart and has you flipping pages to see how Tristan and Staci will work out their differences before something happens to either one of them. I easily give this one a 5 out of 5 stars and once again this novel has found a forever home on my library shelf.

For more information about Seal Under Siege, Liz Johnson or where you can pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

Seal Under Siege by Liz Johnson

You can also follow Liz Johnson on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

Now for the fun part, I am giving away a copy of Seal Under Siege compliments of Liz Johnson to one lucky follower of my blog. Here are the guidelines to enter to win.

1. Be a follower of my blog, Reviews From The Heart.

2. "Like" Liz Johnson's Facebook page, and leave her a great comment about why you'd love to win a copy of her book while you're there.

3. Be a resident of the US or have a US shipping address. Please No P.O. Boxes.

4. Leave me a comment below telling me why you'd love to win a copy along with your email address. You can use the words (at) and (dot) instead of the symbols. I will be emailing the winner once the giveaway ends on September 10th. Enter as many times as you want.

That's all there is to enter. Don't forget the giveaway ends on September 10th so enter as many times as you want.

A Promise to Protect

"Tristan is the closest thing I have to a brother. He's worried about you, and so am I. Let me help."

Fear flicked through Ashley's eyes as she whispered, "Someone almost ran me over."

"Tristan said something about a letter," Matt pressed.

Ashley nodded. "When I got home that day, there was an anonymous note saying that someone wanted hsi property back."

His gut clenched. What kind of jerk threatened a bettered women's shelter? "Listen, I'm in town for a few days. Let me look into things."

She smiled up at him. "Thanks, but I got the note more than a week ago. If there was any danger, something else would have happened by now."

As they reached her car, her smile died. He didn't have to ask if she still thought the threat had passed as she took in the smashed windshield of her coupe. Tucked under a wiper blade, the person responsible for the mess had left a clear message.

If I don't get what's mine, you'll get what's yours. (pg. 18).

In the latest suspense romance novel from Liz Johnson, A Promise to Protect involves Matt Waterstone, a Navy SEAL who is recovering from an injury who takes on an investigation and protection of his best friend's sister, Ashley is almost run over. Since she took over helping women find safety and refuge at Lil's Place, a battered women's shelter this is her first time that the threat levels for her personal safety have taken on a different meaning.

It seems that helping a young Asian woman, named Joy seems to be the only link in helping both Matt and Ashley uncover who is behind a string of increasingly violent threats against Ashley. While she thinks its no more threatening than ex-boyfriends or husbands she has dealt with in the past, these threats are now involving the personal safety of the women and children in the shelter unless Ashley returns Joy. Even the local small town police don't seem to have enough resources to help locate the person responsible and when a lady who aided Joy turns up missing, Ashley and Matt know that this threat is personal and it won't stop until Joy is returned or Ashley is made to pay for her intervention.

I received A Promise To Protect compliments of Liz Johnson and Harlequin's Love Inspired Series for my honest review. This is perfect to take along in your purse to read anywhere, but trust me once you get started, you'll be hooked until you reach the final page. Liz does just enough to keep you on the edge of your seat with enough suspense to keep you frantically turning pages hoping to find out just what happens, both to solving the threat to Ashley and to seeing if the romantic tension between Matt and Ashley connects with true love for them both. I easily rate this one a 4 out of 5 stars in my opinion and can't wait for more from Liz in the future. The Love Inspired series from Harlequin is geared to the Christian Romance reader and is one I am certain you will enjoy.

For more information about A Promise to Protect, Liz Johnson or where to pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the link below:

A Promise To Protect by Liz Johnson

• Mass Market Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Love Inspired (November 27, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0373445180
• ISBN-13: 978-0373445189
• Product Dimensions: 6.5 x 4.1 x 0.7 inches

American Sniper: The Autobiography of The Most Lethal Sniper in US Military History

He is the deadliest American sniper ever, called “the devil” by the enemies he hunted and “the legend” by his Navy SEAL brothers . . .

From 1999 to 2009, U.S. Navy SEAL Chris Kyle recorded the most career sniper kills in United States military history. The Pentagon has officially confirmed more than 150 of Kyles kills (the previous American record was 109), but it has declined to verify the astonishing total number for this book. Iraqi insurgents feared Kyle so much they named him al-Shaitan (“the devil”) and placed a bounty on his head. Kyle earned legendary status among his fellow SEALs, Marines, and U.S. Army soldiers, whom he protected with deadly accuracy from rooftops and stealth positions. Gripping and unforgettable, Kyle’s masterful account of his extraordinary battlefield experiences ranks as one of the great war memoirs of all time.

American Sniper: The Autobiography of The Most Lethal Sniper in US Military History by Chris Kyle

I received this book for my review only with no monetary interest provided by William Morrow, a division of Harper Collins Publishers for my written expressed review.

American Sniper is one story of just one man who had an incredible journey during the war in Iraq/Afghanistan. While I am so honored and proud of Chris Kyle defending not only Americans in Iraq and the surrounding areas, but other military members as well. I can’t help but read between the pages to see see his wife struggling to raise their first child by herself. With Chris contemplating a second tour and re-enlisting for another 4-5 years of being deployed back to Iraq, his Wife is left with a feeling of loss and anger towards her husband for not putting his wife and family first. Chris has done some amazing things by being a SEAL! Things that many of us Americans could not even fathom having to deal with. Chris has my utmost respect and admiration for helping to protect the American ideals that make our country great. What I don’t particularly like is how he put his country over his wife and children when coming up on his 2nd tour. With a wife and child at home and another on the way, he decides to re-enlist for another dangerous deployment that could end his life and leave his wife without a husband and his children without a father.

I have to take the side of his wife after his first tour that he should not have re-enlisted to be with his wife and family. He served his country with honor and saved many lives, while at the same time killing so many terrorists that threatened any type of life in Iraq. After his first tour however, he was plagued by thoughts of not being their for his fellow soldiers that he forgot the most important rule in life. To be a loving father and husband, for that is what is truly will be remembered by the ones you love and whom you will depend on in life. Yes he has many memories as a sniper and has remained very close to other SEAL’s throughout his life, but it is his wife and children that will make him the man that he is.

I would rate this book a 3 out of 5 stars. I would rate this book higher, but I felt that his patriotism truly leads his life over his family. God, family, country is how it should be. Thank you Chris Kyle for your service and your pride for America. Now take the time to have a happy and fulfilling relationship with your wife and children. God Bless you!

KBL - Kill Bin Laden: A Novel Based On True Events

Moving from the political battlefields of Washington, D.C., and the secure, seventh-floor suite of the CIA director in Langley, Virginia, to the dusty streets of Peshawar, Lahore, and Abbottabad, Pakistan, to the rough Afghan interior, to the Middle East and western Europe, this fictional narrative brings to life the drama behind SEAL Team 6’s breathtaking raid in which Bin Laden—a.k.a. Crankshaft, a.k.a. al Mas (the Diamond), the ghost, the wraith, the grail for counterterrorists for more than a decade—met his fate.

Filled with pulse-pounding excitement and the tactics, intelligence tradecraft, and operational sources and methods used in real-world CIA and special-operations missions, KBL: KILL BIN LADEN is a thrill-a-minute dramatization that sets the standard for adventure novels as it brilliantly imagines the action, intrigue, and suspense of this real-life event and offers a glimpse of the new face of warfare.

My Review:

This is a book based on the events surrounding the plot to kill Usama Bin Laden and the men whose mission it was to see that it was carried out. This book probes the hearts and minds of America's secret warriors, revealing what the job means to them and the toll it takes. Here are the Navy SEALS who can never admit what unit they work for; the CIA paramilitary operators who risk their lives among the enemy, putting themselves in harm's way knowing their existence will be denied if they are killed or captured; and the elite cadre of gritty leaders who bravely put country and security above politics.

This book is not like the Hollywood productions of Jason Bourne or Ethan Hunt, but truly gives the readers an inside view on what it takes to put your live on the line to bring a terrorist to justice and secure the safety of the country they love and serve. I was captivated by this story because I love movies like Mission Impossible but from a true sense of where the actual stories come from. Having know friends involved with Black Ops, I know how real and intense their stories can be, although they can never share the information with anyone.

This is a must read for anyone who loves stories involving true life events told from all the perspectives of those involved and to see just how difficult it is to bring criminals to justice when they lie outside our countries borders and people will do anything to make sure they are never found.

I received this book, KBL: Kill Bin Laden by John Weisman compliments of William Morrow, a division of Harper Collins Publishers for my honest review and LOVED every single page of this compelling novel. It's hard to believe that the book you are reading isn't a fictional story but one that actually happened. For that reason alone, this one rates a hands down 5 out of 5 stars! For more information on this book, the author and where to pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the link below:

KBL: Kill Bin Laden: A Novel Based On True Events by John Weisman