End Game by Rachel Dylan – Fast Paced and Filled with Suspense, Intrigue and Likable Characters

When I saw that author, Rachel Dylan had published a new book, End Game – Capital Intrigue Book 1, I was excited to read it. 

When FBI Agent Bailey Ryan and NCIS Special Agent Marco Agostini were called in to investigate the murder of Navy Petty Officer Sean Battle little did they know that they would be drawn into a complicated, ever-widening case that would prove to be dangerous and deadly.  Where would it end?  Just who was involved?  How deep did the corruption go?  Who can they trust?  Where would their investigation lead?

I loved this book.  It was filled with suspense and intrigue from beginning to end.  What I liked most about this book were the characters.  They were nice, decent, honest people who sought the truth, no matter where their case led.  I liked the lead characters Bailey and Marco as well as the secondary characters Isabella (Izzy) Cole, Jay Graves, Lexi Todd, Tobias Kappen, and Derek Martinez.  They were people of integrity whom I liked and cared about.  They worked together in pursuit of the truth.  They considered the evidence and when things didn’t make sense or didn’t look right, they dug deeper.  Even when it meant risking their own lives. 

In today’s culture where we’ve seen the compromise and dishonesty from prominent government officials, it was refreshing to see the integrity of these characters.

I appreciated how the Christian faith was woven into the storyline and supportive friendships.  I liked seeing the cooperation and teamwork between the various military branches and the legal system.  I enjoyed the friendship, trust, and romance that developed over time as Bailey and Marco got to know one another.

If you like intrigue and suspense, mixed with good characters, an interesting story and a little romance, be sure to read End Game by Rachel Dylan.  You won’t be disappointed.  End Game – Capital Intrigue Book 1 will be published on January 7, 2020.  When Rachel Dylan writes a book, I want to read it!

I would like to thank Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley for providing a complimentary copy of End Game and the opportunity to read it.  I was under no obligation to give a favorable review. 

Hallmark of Sin

Hallmark Ornament

Today is a sad and grievous day

As news of Hallmark’s comprise with sin

Has been made known far and wide

It’s ironic that the definition of hallmark includes

Attesting to purity

A distinguishing characteristic

Instead of being part of our culture

Helping us celebrate the holidays

With cards, gifts and ornaments

Hallmark will now be known as an emblem of compromise

Conceding to the loud voices of political correctness

Approving of sin which God has clearly condemned

How is it that a channel once known as family-friendly

Is now putting on display

Applauding and approving same-sex marriage

While our culture and standards are ever-changing

On a slippery slope that approves and promotes sin

God’s Word and His perfect righteous standard will never change

What God in the Bible has declared sin

Remains sin today

How can one embrace and promote that which God will judge

As far back as I can remember

Hallmark has been a part of the Christmas season

But how can I spend money on a company that celebrates sin

Christmas is about Christ Jesus the Lord

A Savior was born, God incarnate

To redeem and save sinful man

It is particularly gross that at Christmastime

Hallmark embraces sin

Sin for which Christ died

Hallmark has bowed its knee

To the loud and vocal groups

That demand acceptance and approval of their sin

Forgetting about families

Trying to raise their children

In truth and righteousness

Disregarding religious groups

Christians and Jews whose standards come from the Bible

God’s Word, which is uncompromising and unchanging

Hallmark is on a slippery slope

Accepting and promoting sin

How long until it works its way into their movies and cards

Why would I now spend money on a Hallmark

It’s not just the TV channel I will turn off

It’s ornaments I will not buy, no more Hallmark cards to send

Though Hallmark has approved of sin

I must stand firm with God

Because at the end of the day

It’s about a human being created in God’s image

One who needs to hear the truth about sin

And forgiveness to the repentant sinner through Christ

By Susan Bunts Wachtel

December 16, 2019

I think Hallmark is shortsighted in giving way and compromising with the politically correct groups that demand acceptance and approval.  Hallmark is not calculating that they have offended conservatives who believe that marriage is between one man and one woman and Christians and Jewish believers who believe the Bible is God's inerrant Word. 

It’s not just the Hallmark Channel or Hallmark movies that will be impacted.  I won’t be buying Hallmark products, including cards and gifts.  I hope that they will revisit this poor and wrong decision that they’ve made.  But if not…Hallmark will no longer be a part of my life. 

I did call Hallmark at 1-800-425-5627 and spoke with a representative.  I asked her to relay that this will impact more than just the Hallmark Channel.  She gave me the phone number for the Hallmark Channel, 888-390-7474, which I will also call.  I will also follow up with an email to Hallmark (https://care.hallmark.com/s/contactsupport). 

A Perfect Match

When we look at Ron & Carol

We think what a perfect match

Simply made for one another

How many roads have they traveled together

How many places have they seen

How many seas have they sailed

Together they have enjoyed and delighted in

Fishing at the camp

Cooking and trying new recipes together

Fine dining or even the occasional dive

Traveling to places near and far

Simply living everyday life together

How well they have embraced, loved and cared for

One another

Their children, families and friends

Both have a keen intellect

A good sense of humor

They are always willing to lend a helping hand

A listening ear

Wise counsel

And a heartfelt prayer

They have delighted in one another

In their joys and successes

And bearing one another’s burdens

When we think of Ron & Carol

We can’t imagine one without the other

We thank God for them

Bless them

Rejoice and celebrate their Anniversary

15 Years together

By Susan Wachtel

December 7, 2019