Killing the Deep State by Jerome R Corsi – A Detailed and Well Documented Examination of the Unprecedented and Coordinated Attacks on the President

Like so many Americans who enjoy politics, I followed the 2016 election long before President Trump was the nominee, as well as the aftermath which has continued as Robert Mueller’s “investigation” goes on and on.  Because of that I was interested in reading Jerome Corsi’s new book Killing the Deep State – The Fight to Save President Trump.  I wanted to find out what Corsi’s take was on all that’s gone on.

In Killing the Deep State, Jerome goes into a lot of detail on the different aspects of the attacks on President Trump.  Starting with the FBI and the multitude of key players including Comey, Page, Strozok, Rosenstein, McCabe, the Ohrs and Christopher Steele.  We can’t leave out Hillary Clinton and company, nor the Department of Justice with their cast of characters.  How does Julian Assange and the main stream media fit into the puzzle? 

But why all the attacks?  It was just another election, right?  It happens every four years, someone wins and someone loses.  What made the 2016 Election different?  That’s where Jerome Corsi starts diving in and unpeeling the Russian Collusion narrative and what’s behind it.  Who are the driving forces and why? 

With all that’s gone on over the last three years, I had forgotten some of the happenings.  But Jerome Corsi goes in to great detail to document what’s happened and explain why it’s happened.  This book is well researched and well documented, over twenty percent of the book lists details about the sources of information. 

Like Trump or hate him, whether you are a supporter or critic, most people will acknowledge that there have been unprecedented, multifaceted and unrelenting attacks on President Trump like nothing we’ve seen before.

Whether you are a Republican, Democrat or Independent, I think we can all agree that no one should be above the law.  We want our government officials and law enforcement to operate within the law and not corrupt it for their own agenda.  The agenda that someone might support today, because they don’t like the current President, can easily be turned around and used against them by the next administration or group in power. 

I do recommend Jerome R Corsi’s book Killing the Deep State.  It was very interesting and if I can be honest, it was kind of depressing.  Reading about corruption within our own government is very unsettling and overwhelming.

If you like politics and want to know what’s happened over the last few years, you’ll want to read Killing the Deep State by Jerome Corsi.  He presents theories as to what motivates and drives the corruption that we’ve seen take place.  You may agree with it or have your own theories. 

I would like to thank NetGalley and Humanix Books for the opportunity to read Killing the Deep State by Jerome R Corsi in exchange for an honest review.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review. 

On Magnolia Lane by Denise Hunter – If you like a good love story, time to step away for little while and read.

On Magnolia Lane is the first book that I’ve read by author by Denise Hunter and I really enjoyed it.  This is the third book in the Blue Ridge Romance Series.  Though it’s part of a series, it’s good as a standalone book. 

The story is about Jack McReady who happens to be the local Pastor.  One of his congregants is Daisy Pendleton and she’s been meeting with Jack for counseling over a couple of years now.  He’s pretty much head over heals in love with Daisy and she is oblivious.  Will she ever be able to see Jack as something more than her Pastor?  Will Jack ever be bold enough to ask Daisy out on a date?  Or will this romance need a little help from their friends? 

I really liked the characters in this book.  They weren’t perfect, but they were kind, descent and caring people that I’d like to spend time with.  The story takes place in the small town of Copper Creak, Georgia and after reading this book I wish it really existed because I’d like to visit.   

One of my favorite characters was the mystery woman Julia.  I found myself drawn into her quest and appreciated how understanding and gracious she was.  I liked the friendship that developed between Daisy and Julia.

Denise’s style of writing is very inviting.  She has a way of helping the reader to visualize the places and people, but without being too wordy.  She leaves room for imagination.  I thought Denise was insightful in bringing out what was going on within the characters, their insecurities and wounds from the past that haven’t quite healed, that still impacted relationships. 

I really enjoyed On Magnolia Lane.  I appreciated that the Christian faith was included in the character’s lives and that it was a clean novel and free from filthy language and sexual immorality.  There are some details about a character’s past that comes out, but the sinful choices were not glorified or made light of. 

In today’s world, where every where you turn there’s more bad news, it’s really nice to be able to step away for a little while, into small town with a little romance.  If you like a good love story, be sure to read On Magnolia Lane by Denise Hunter.  I look forward to reading more of Denise’s novels. 

I would like to thank BookLook and Thomas Nelson Publishers for the opportunity to ready On Magnolia Lane in exchange for an honest review.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review. 

Breach of Trust by Rachel Dylan – Filled with Suspense, Mystery, Intrigue and Romance

If you like mysteries filled with intrigue and a little romance and be sure to read Rachel Dylan’s newest book Breach of Trust (to be released on February 5, 2019).  This is the third book in Atlanta Justice series and the characters in the first two books continue on in this current book.

Mia Shaw is a hardworking corporate attorney.  Her life is turned upside down when she discovers her friend and colleague, Chase Jackson, brutally murdered and she won’t stop until the guilty party is brought to justice.  Mia is assigned to the legal case Chase had been working on.  As she starts digging into the evidence, it appears corporate espionage may have occurred.  Mia’s going to need some help from a cyber security expert, but working with Noah Ramirez may be problematic.  Especially since he’s working to help clear his friend, David, who happens to be the prime suspect in Chase’s murder. 

Wow…Breach of Trust is action packed from the get go.  When you open the pages be ready to hit ground running.  It’s filled with suspense and intrigue that will keep you guessing until the end.  I found this book, very satisfying.  The characters were very likable, especially Mia’s friends Kate and Sophie, as well as Noah and his friends Cooper and Landon.  They are nice, decent people who care about each other and are committed to their friendships with one another.  I especially appreciated how the Christian faith was woven into the character’s lives and how they grew.  Rachel’s legal experience, knowledge and research all work to make Breach of Trust an interesting story. 

If you like suspense, romance and legal whodunnits…be sure to read Rachel Dylan’s newest book Breach of Trust, I highly recommend it.  Though this is the third book in the Atlanta Justice series, it works well as a stand-alone book.  I want to forewarn you, once you read one of Rachel’s books, you are going to want to read the rest of her books. 

I would like to thank NetGalley and Bethany House Publishers for the opportunity to read Breach of Trust by Rachel Dylan in exchange for an honest review.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review. 

Desperate Faith

He was a man of desperate faith

Jairus was willing to risk it all

As he fell at the feet of Jesus

Reputation, respect and honor

What did that mean to him now

As his little girl lay dying

He went to the One

The only One who had the power

Over sickness and disease, even life and death

In desperation he begged

My daughter, she is going to die, unless

Please…come…touch and heal her.  So, Jesus went.

She was desperate, when would she ever have another chance

The crowds said Jesus was coming

He alone had the power to heal her

For twelve long years, she was considered unclean

An outcast, no one would even touch her

Everything had been wasted on doctors who couldn’t help her

In faith, with a trembling hand

She reached out and touched the hem of Jesus’ cloak

Immediately, after twelve long years, she was healed

Instead of going on His way

Jesus stopped

“Who touched Me?”

He looked around and saw her

He cared for her, for she was someone’s beloved daughter too

She confessed, He proclaimed, “Your faith has made you well.”

Waiting, the father’s desperation grew

Every moment, with every delay

He wondered, was his daughter still alive

The synagogue officials came with grim news

Don’t bother, she’s dead

Then Jesus said, “Do not fear…only believe.”

When they arrived, they were greeted with weeping and wailing

Mourners laughed when Jesus said, “She’s asleep.”

But the place emptied when He said leave

Surrounded by those who loved this girl

Parents with desperate faith

Jesus commanded, “Talitha, arise!”  And she arose.

Astounded with joy

Her parents took her by the hand

“Tell no one!”  And Jesus departed

Susan Wachtel

January 7, 2019

Delayed Justice by Cara Putman – Law, Justice, Intrigue - A Delicate Topic Handled with Care

When I first read the description of Delayed Justice by Cara Putman there was a part of me that wanted to read it.  I love books about the law and justice that are filled with intrigue.  But the subject matter, sexual abuse of children, almost made me shy way.  I’m glad that I didn’t let that stop me, because this was a really good book. 

Delayed Justice is about a public defender, Jamie Nichols, who has finally come to a place of healing in her own life.  She has found her voice to speak up and bring to justice the man who took away her childhood.  But she will be up against political forces who will stop at nothing to shut her up.  Chandler Bolton, a former Vet, has scars of his own but now works to help former Vets integrate into life back home in the United States.  Together they will have the opportunity to help a young girl get justice and begin to heal, in part through the use of a therapy dog Aslan. 

I especially liked the friendships that Jamie had with Caroline, Hayden, Emilie and Savannah.  They were the kind of friends you want in your corner.  They were there for Jamie when she needed them and even when she didn’t know it.  I appreciated how Jamie’s parents responded when hearing for the first time what their daughter endured as a child and how they came alongside her to be there for her as she sought justice.  I loved Chandler and his patient and tender approach as he sought to get to know this intriguing and heroic young woman. 

Cara did a great job in handling a sensitive and delicate topic which has affected far too many people and left indelible scars.  She was able to tell the stories of Jamie and Tiffany and what happened to them without going into graphic details.  She kept the focus on the people and used the story to help make known some of the ways child sexual abuse may impact survivors long after childhood.  Seeking justice and healing the emotional and cognitive scars can happen.  It takes time and support.  I appreciated how Cara included the Christian faith and wove it into the characters and storyline. 

I highly recommended Delayed Justice by Cara Putman.  Her legal background and research came through to help make a really good novel.  Cara’s writing is new to me and I look forward to discovering her earlier work.

I would like to thank BookLook and Thomas Nelson Publishers for the opportunity to read Delayed Justice in exchange for an honest review.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review. 

A Defiant Faith

She has a defiant faith

One that rests

Not in her circumstances

But in God alone

When her prayers seem to be unanswered

And God is silent

She strengthens her heart mind soul and spirit

In God’s perfect and inerrant Word

When others give way to doubt or fear

She instead sets her mind on Christ

And remembers His benefits

Her soul bursts forth in worship and praise

She knows of her heavenly Father’s great love

Before the foundation of the world was laid

He called her to salvation through His Beloved Son’s sacrifice

He has sealed her with the Holy Spirit

If He has met her greatest needs

Surely, He will care for her needs today

She chooses to trust God as He has revealed Himself to be

Her confidence rests in His unchanging, merciful lovingkindness

She has a defiant faith, a confident faith

One that does not waver

Like a light that does not dim

She rests secure in the Solid Rock of Jesus Christ

By Susan Wachtel

December 19, 2018

To a strong woman of God who is trusting God in her time of waiting upon the Lord. 

Hidden Peril by Irene Hannon – Intrigue, Suspense and Romance

When given the opportunity to read Irene Hannon’s newest book, Hidden Peril, I jumped at the chance.  She’s quickly become one of my favorite writers.  This is the second book in the Code of Honor series and characters Kristin, Colin and Rick continue on this in this book with Kristin as the main focus. 

Hidden Peril is a gripping and suspenseful mystery, but it’s a little different because terrorism is part of the plot.  When you see stories on the news about ISIS and terrorism you don’t think it’s going to impact your everyday life.  But what if it did? 

Kristin Dane is not your ordinary woman.  After graduating college, she served in the Peace Corp in Ethiopia for two years.  When she returned home, she still had a vision to try and make a difference for good in the lives of people who live in war-torn countries.  When Luke Carter meets Kristin at the wedding of a mutual friend, he probably didn’t anticipate encountering her again, especially in his role as police detective.  Luke’s path intersects with this intriguing and beautiful woman when one of Kristin’s employees is found dead.  Is the death of a monk 10,000 miles away in Syria possibly connected? 

One of my favorite things about Irene’s writing are the characters.  They are good, decent, nice people that you’d like to know.  They grow, change and heal the brokenness in their lives.  In this book, you see wonderful examples of committed friendship between Kristin, Colin and Rick. 

Hidden Peril was very suspenseful and kept me guessing to the end.  Though I suspected who the bad guy was, I didn’t know how that would be revealed and what would happen to the people at the end of the story.

I greatly appreciate that Irene Hannon is able to write good books, with interesting likable characters and intriguing situations without resorting to filthy language, or immoral sexual situations.  I appreciate how she weaves the Christian faith into the character’s lives.

If you like intrigue, mystery and romance, be sure to read Hidden Peril by Irene Hannon.  It’s another great read by a wonderful author.

I would like to thank NetGalley and Revell Publishers for the opportunity to read Hidden Peril in exchange for an honest review.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review. 

Catching Christmas by Terri Blackstock – Relatable & Heartwarming

Terri Blackstock is on my list of writers, that when they write a new book, I want to read it.  I’m so glad I had the opportunity to read her newest book Catching Christmas. 

This story is a little different than most of Terri’s books.  The book centers around three people, Finn, Sydney and Callie, who don’t have a lot in common.  But circumstances have a way of creating some unusual bonds, especially around Christmas. 

Take Finn for example, he’s a cab driver and for him, time is money.  His life is about to get more complicated when he picks up his next fare.  Callie, an older woman in a wheelchair, seems to be taking a little nap when Finn arrives and she needs transportation to a doctor’s appointment.  Who in the world sends their grandmother to the doctor via a cab?  Meet Sydney, Callie’s granddaughter, who is burning the candle at both ends and just trying to keep her new job, thus the cab for her grandmother. 

Terri has way of making her characters very relatable and real.  My favorite character was Finn, a little gruff on the outside, but deep down he has a tender heart, a guilty conscience and wants to get it right this time.  Callie reminds me of my mom in her latter years.  Only with Callie…I could laugh at some of the embarrassing uncomfortable moments.  I related to Sydney too and felt like I had walked in her shoes.

The Christian faith is talked about some in this book.  Callie is a Christian and she loves Jesus and talks to Him and about Him to others. 

Catching Christmas is a heartwarming book to read for the Christmas holiday season.  It’s a short book, so even if your schedule is busy, you’ll be able to find time to read Catching Christmas by Terri Blackstock.

I would like to thank BookLook and Thomas Nelson Publishers for the opportunity to read Catching Christmas by Terri Blackstock in exchange for an honest review.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review. 

Hidden Among the Stars by Melanie Dobson – Satisfying & Intriguing

It was the title, Hidden Among the Stars, that first caught my attention.  The storyline drew me in and made me want to read Melanie Dobson’s newest book, an author whose writing is new to me.

The story takes place in two periods of time and in two places that intersect as character Callie tries to find out who Luzia and Annika were and if perchance if one of them was related to her beloved friend Charlotte. 

Luzia, Annika, Max and Hermann lived in Austria during the late 1930’s and their lives were forever changed as the were caught up in the war when the Nazi’s swept in to Austria.  Eighty years later and 5,000 miles away, Callie is drawn into trying to solve a mystery that was discovered in a children’s book.  Will Callie step outside her comfort zone to solve a mystery and discover the truth?  Will she let down her walls long enough to open herself the possibility of finding love once again?

Hidden Among the Stars was very different kind of book, but I really liked it.  I especially liked the characters from the 1930’s in Austria.  The characters came to life and the situations that they faced as their beloved country was overrun by evil was very compelling.  How would they respond when the anti-Jewish Nazi mentality grew and overwhelmed Austrians?  Fellow neighbors, were they now friend or foe?  Would they protect and try to help their Jewish neighbors?  It was both horrifying and captivating to see what they faced and how they responded to evil in their midst. 

The modern-day part of the story took a little while for me to get used to because it was written in the first person, but the rest of the story was not.  After a while, I got used to it.  While I liked the characters, they didn’t seem as real or rich as the 1930’s characters. 

The author includes faith in her story and the Gospel message was shared.  I appreciated that the author didn’t include profanity or sexual immorality in the story.  She delicately handled a scene where one of the characters was raped.   

As the story unfolded, I figured out some of the mystery, but not all of it.  It kept me guessing until the end. 

I would describe the book as satisfying and intriguing.  It unfolds and develops slowly, but that’s okay because you are learning about the characters and what they are going through.  There is some about this book that is almost poetic, probably most visible in the character of Callie.

I recommend Hidden Among the Stars by Melanie Dobson.  If you like mystery, intrigue or historical fiction you may enjoy this book.   

I would like to thank Tyndale House Publishers for the opportunity to read Hidden Among the Stars in exchange for an honest review.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.

Five Minute Friday – Handpicked Burdens

I’m so grateful to be participating in today’s Five Minute Friday writing challenge.  If you like to write or need some inspiration and encouragement from others be sure to check it out. 

Today word prompt:  Burden

The burdens the Lord brings

Or allows into our lives

He never meant for us to carry them alone

He has a good purpose and plan

A design for each one

He knows our burdens and cares for each one of us

A burden that will cause us

To repent of our sin

Cry out to the Lord for forgiveness

A burden that will reveal

Our weakness and deep abiding need

Cause us to depend and rely upon the Lord

A burden that will grow and change us

Take us from selfish and self-focused

Develop a compassionate and caring heart

The Lord invites us to cast our burdens upon Him

He is the Lord and daily bears our burdens

We in turn are to bear one another’s burdens

Won’t you come to the One who invites you

Take Christ’s yoke upon you and learn

For His yoke is easy and His burden is light

Susan Wachtel

November 9, 2018

Chosen People by Robert Whitlow – Intrigue, Suspense & Interesting Characters – A Story That Kept Me Guessing to the End

One of my favorite authors that I’ve discovered in recent years is Robert Whitlow.  If he writes a new book, I want read.  I’m so glad that I was able to read Robert’s newest release Chosen People.

This book is a little different than other novels I’ve read by Robert Whitlow.  Like his other books, it involves attorneys and law, but Chosen People is set against the backdrop Islamic terrorism.  It includes characters that are from the Middle East and shows the impact of terrorism at a personal level. 

Hana Abboud, an attorney working at law firm in Atlanta, is from Israel and is of Arab descent and a Christian which adds some interesting dynamics and cultural views to the storyline.  Jakob Brodsky, a secular Jewish attorney has agreed to help Ben Neumann and his daughter Sadie bring a lawsuit against any organization or company that funded the terrorists that left his wife Gloria dead and their daughter Sadie seriously injured.

With her background and experience in Israel, Hana is the right attorney to handle this case, if she’s willing.  Jakob is going to batt for a family that may not have much of a case to stand on, much less the deep pockets necessary to handle the comprehensive research and to track down people who funded these morally reprehensible murderers.

Will there be any justice for the Neumann family?  Will the big law firm be willing to take a risk on this case which may go no where or run into many costly obstacles along the way?  Will Hana be willing to take on a case that will bring up ugly savage images that will never leave her memory?  How will she be able to handle this case long distance from Atlanta?  Who will she be able to trust to be her boots on the ground in Israel to investigate the terrorists who perpetrated this savage attack?  Was Jakob’s attack related to the investigation, or was it just a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time?

Mixed into the storyline is faith, Christian, Jewish, Islamic and agnostic. 

I enjoyed the likable characters, found the storyline intriguing and suspenseful as people put their lives on the line to investigate and bring terrorists and those that support them to justice.

I give Chosen People a big thumbs up and recommend it highly.  Robert Whitlow knows how to write great fiction, from interesting characters to a storyline that weaves together intrigue, suspense and faith.  This one kept me guessing to the end. 

I would like to thank Thomas Nelson Publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read Robert Whitlow’s new book Chosen People in exchange for an honest review.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review.