The End of Law ~ Review

The End of Law
A Novel of Hitler's Germany
By Thérèse Down

The purity of the nation must be protected at any cost and those who could possible weaken the nation's might must be purged from existence.  But when the next weakest link could be your own flesh and blood what will you decide?

In 1933, Hedda Schroeder becomes acquainted with two SS officers, one of whom she marries.  Walter Gunther is driven to achieve honor in the name of German achievement and supremacy.  She didn't know who she was marrying but she is about to find out.

In 1941, Germany's T4 euthanasia programme is  a celebrated success - a success that the average citizen knows nothing about. Working behind the scenes on this project are Hedda's father Ernst Schroeder, her husband Walter, and Karl Muller a man she once knew.  

But when the T4 programme threatens their own families these men must decide where they will ultimately place their loyalties.  Is it with the Fuhrer and the Nazi party?  With their own family? Or with God?  These decisions could very well decide not only the future of the German people but their very souls.

In the  quest for dominance many ceded logic, reason, and sanity to the insanity of Nazi despotism.  

It is interesting to read some of the changes that Germany underwent under Hitler.  One was that women who were professionals were no longer allowed to work - the highest honor a woman could now hold within Germany was that bearing the next generation of Aryan purity.  I also found the references to rewriting the Bible to remove Jewish references interesting. 

There are some rather disturbing scenes in regard to the T4 programme in this book.  The cruelty of the human race against those it has classified as unworthy was and is shocking.  This book though dark is well written and engaging as one watches the various characters as they face evil and either confront or embrace it.

This would be an excellent choice for a high school historical fiction book report title.  Those who are fascinated by World War II history will find this an intriguing book with the majority of it taking place in 1941, with a brief stage setting in 1933.  This is not a feel good book, though there are moments when one feels triumph at a small victory.

I was provided a copy of this book through the Kregel Blog Tours in exchange for my honest review.

About the book:

Two SS officers—both involved in Hitler's Final Solution, both in love with a beautiful woman— but only one can live with his conscience 

Berlin, 1933: as Hitler rises to power; the law--designed to protect and serve--becomes twisted to the will of those who dream of a pure Aryan race.

SS Officer Walter Gunther is intensely loyal to the Third Reich. His readiness to kill without question or remorse would seem to make him the ideal candidate to lead the T4 euthanasia programme.  SS officer Karl Muller, a trainee doctor and engineer, is also brought into the programme, and assured that his work is consistent with the Hippocratic oath he's due to take.

Their mandate: to kill the "unworthies"--not just the Jews, but crippled children, the mentally ill, homosexuals.  Hedda, Walter's wife and old acquaintance of Karl, has no idea of what their work entails. Until, that is, the fate of their families is at stake, and each must confront afresh the choices they have made.

This dark, tense novel is a compelling story of human tragedy, and man's potential to revel in, or fight against, the evil actions of a corrupted nation.

The War of Words ~ Review with Giveaway

The War of Words
By Amy Neftzger

War has been waging across the kingdom it seems forever.  The kingdom is fighting a sorcerer whose enchantments are confusing reality for those sent to fight against his mysterious army of shadows.

Daily attacks are the norm as the war continues, while magical means are sought to help rid the kingdom of this evil darkness that has spread throughout.

Rumors of an unreadable book could be the key that they seek, but if none can read what is within what hope does this fabled book provide?  Kelsey, a young officer in the king's army, is determined to find this book and wield whatever weapon it may offer.  But she can't do it alone and has to rely on the friendship of a local soldier and her few friends who are scattered throughout the kingdom.

This is a war for reality and truth.  To win they must discover how to use their most powerful weapon the word, which has the potential to yield good or evil depending on the user's intent.

This is a fantasy that is intriguing in how this world and its war are based on the power of word and truth. Middle grade readers should enjoy this book and this is a world that I wouldn't mind revisiting though this story appears to be complete in and of itself.  I could also see this book being used for an afternoon classroom read-aloud selection.  Highly recommended for those looking for fantasy and adventure in a fun clean read.

I was provided a Advanced Review Copy (ARC) of this book through iRead Book Tours in exchange for my honest review and tour participation.

About the Book:

Sometimes there's no better way to understand reality than through fantasy, and the best way to find truth may be in a book - if you can find the right one.

Battles against darkness, a quest for truth, and a search for the book that no one can read are all part of the fantasy adventure in The War of Words. As an evil sorcerer wages war by using mysterious shadows and seeks to gain control by confusing the residents as to what's real and what isn't, the fate of the kingdom rests in the hands of Kelsey and Nicholas.

As the youngest officer in the king's army, Kelsey fights the evil sorcerer s shadows on the battlefield as she explores the kingdom searching for the key to winning the war. Nicholas, a young sorcerer in training who is mastering his craft, discovers how the right words can change the course of the future.

Explore an enchanted maze, uncover the power of words, and learn about friendship in this whimsical tale.

​Buy the book:   Amazon   Barnes and Noble   Book Depository

Author's Bio:

Amy Neftzger is the author of fiction books for both adults and children. She has also been published in business and academic journals, as well as literary publications. A few of her favorite things include traveling, books, movies, art, the Oxford comma, and gargoyles.

Connect with the author:  Website   Twitter   Facebook

Giveaway:​

Prizes: ​

Win 1 of 5 print copies (USA)  

1 of 5 ebooks (international)

1 of 2 $25 Amazon gift cards (international) 

(12 winners)

12 prizes in all!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Long May She Wave ~ Review

Long May She Wave
100 Stars and Stripes Collectible Postcards
By Kit Hinrichs

This is a delightful treat to open.  With the appearance of a book one is instead provided with an assortment of patriotic/flag themed postcards.  There are 100 postcards with 50 unique images so that one has 2 of each.  This "book" (measuring 6-5/8"h x 4-3/8"d x 4-1/2"w) could quite easily sit upon the shelf of your home library and not stand out.

I thoroughly enjoyed examining the postcards from this collection.  With images dating from as far back as 1861 one gets a unique perspective of the esteem with which the American flag and various patriotic symbols have been held throughout the history of the United States.

There was a picture of Lady Liberty from circa 1915 that my sister and I both thought was from the 1970's because of the way she was dressed.  This is a fun way to explore history and share time with family.

This would be a perfect gift to give to someone who enjoys American history.  This would also be a welcome addition for any homeschooling library.  With 2 of each postcard, send out one or two or better yet stamp and address them to yourself and send them to that friend or family member who is just to busy to let you know they are o'kay, who knows maybe you'll finally hear from them.

*Please be aware that the author has a book of the same name also available which is from 2013. 

I was provided a copy of this postcard book/box from Blogging for Books in exchange for my honest review.

About the Book:
From one of the world's leading graphic designers comes a stunning tribute to America's most enduring icon-the Stars and Stripes.The Revolutionary Congress resolved in 1777 that "the flag of the United States be 13 stripes, alternate red and white, that the Union be 13 white stars in a blue field representing a new constellation." Since that time, the American flag has been raised high in wartime triumph and peacetime celebration; burned in fervent protest; sewn lovingly onto quilts, caps, pillows, and bags; appropriated by the commercial sphere to sell goods as varied as cigars, and designer clothing, and rock-and-roll albums; and faithfully honored every 4th of July to celebrate America's independence. Compiled from one of the largest collections of American flag art in the world, these postcards showcase more than 200 years of artistic interpretation and innovation.   From patriotic banners and folk art curiosities  to modern artistic masterworks, this historic cache of images has been lovingly curated and packaged by legendary designer Kit Hinrichs.


About the Author:

KIT HINRICHS is considered one of the world's most influential graphic designers and is partner in the global design firm Pentagram. He has more than 3,000 Stars and Stripes artifacts in his collection, which has been exhibited at the American Institute of Graphic Arts in New York and the San Jose Museum of Art. He lives in San Francisco.

The Salt Mine Mystery ~ Review

The Salt Mine Mystery
Thunder and Lightening series #2
By Aaron M. Zook Jr.

Gabe and Alex are back with another mystery and if they can't solve it they won't live to regret their failure.  The two brothers and their friends are in danger and are soon separated from their parents when touring the Berchtesgaden Salt Mines.

A mysterious clue given to them by someone referred to only as G may be their only hope to escape the people hunting them within the salt mines.  And this time they may have to say goodbye forever to some whom they consider friends.

This book is perfect for middle grade readers - especially boys. Parents and grandparents will be happy to hear that these are clean reads.  This is realistic fiction for those who are looking for something other than fantasy.

I was provided a copy of this book through TBCN/BookFun in exchange for my honest review.

About the Book:

Twelve year-old Gabe Zanadu, his brother, Alex, and dogs Thunder and Lightning face Team Test #2 in Germany’s Berchtesgaden Salt Mines. Fighting a human-trafficking ring, they must successfully negotiate the Egyptian Path of Death to free themselves, the victims and bring their captors to justice. THE SALT MINES MYSTERY Threatened in the streets of Goeppingen, Germany, Gabe and Alex Zanadu make a disastrous decision that plummets them, their dogs Thunder and Lightning, and international friends into the clutches of an evil human trafficking ring.

Who sent thugs to attack twelve-year-old Gabe in an alley?

What secret does Gabe and Alex, his fourteen-year-old brother, learn at the War Council?

Can the boys remember the sailor song clues given by the mysterious ‘G’ and survive?

How do Thunder and Lightning keep their masters alive?

Will Gabe and Alex’s brotherly ties withstand the onslaught of danger?

Who will finish the race through the Egyptian Path of Death?

Find the answers to these questions and more in this heart-pumping, action-packed adventure/mystery story. And the Thunder and Lightning saga is just beginning!


About the Author:

Aaron M. Zook, Jr., a retired U.S. Army Colonel, enjoys writing Christian books. The Secrets of the Castle, his intriguing middle-reader mystery/adventure novel for boys and the first of the Thunder and Lightning series is available at Amazon.com and other online stores, and is currently on sale at Zookbooks.org. Aaron lives with his wife in Belton, TX. They have two married sons.

If I Run ~ Review

If I Run
If I Run #1
By Terri Blackstone

If only she had kept quiet, Brent wouldn't be dead and she wouldn't be on the run.  But she has to run if she wants to live.  She knows the people who destroyed her life years ago are the ones responsible for this latest death in her life.  But she'll be blamed for Brent's death - she left evidence of her presence at the scene.

Dylan Roberts is about to get past the stigma of having PTSD attached to his name.  All he has to do is find Casey Cox - the woman responsible for his best friend's murder. Casey doesn't look like a killer, but she ran and she was at the scene of the murder.  The evidence is convincing all he needs to do is bring her in.

But Casey is methodical, thinking through her next move.  She needs to stay ahead of those her are after her and one step isn't far enough away if she wants to live.

This book is filled with with twists and turns that one didn't see coming.  If you like an ending with the promise of more intrigue and excitement yet come this book will definitely leave you wanting more.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher and the Fiction Guild in exchange for my honest review.


About the Book:

Casey Cox has blood on the bottom of her shoes, in her car, on her clothes. 

But there's no point in trying to defend herself. 

She just has to run.

Casey didn't kill her friend Brent. She discovered his body, but she'd never try to hurt him. He's the only person she's ever trusted enough to tell the truth about what happened to her father . . . and there's no doubt in her mind that Brent was killed trying to help her prove it. She has to run before they get to her too.

Dylan Roberts was hired to find Casey and bring her back so that justice can be served. As a former Criminal Investigator for the Army, he can't imagine that tracking down one girl will be that difficult.

But the more elusive Casey turns out to be, the more Dylan digs into her past to try to determine what she might be thinking. What he finds there doesn't fit the profile of a killer at all. She's unlike any other fugitive he's ever seen.

The police refuse to discuss any other possibilities. There's something more going on here. Something more to this fugitive who has captured his attention. Now he just has to figure out what it is . . . and Casey just has to stay one step ahead of everyone who's after her.

Web of Deceit ~ Review

Web of Deceit
An Agents Under Fire Novel #1
By Susan Sleeman

Three years ago he tried to kill her, instead he killed her sister.

For three years she's been searching for him while he has been planning his revenge.  And today revenge is about to come knocking on her door.  Kaitlyn Knight's sister was killed by the man who had promised to love and protect her forever.  But when Kait discovers his secret identity as a murderous cyber-criminal her sister Abby takes the bullet meant for her.

When an anomalous computer code linked to her brother-in-law leads the FBI and Portland PD to the scene of a gruesome murder Kait is convinced that Fenton Rhodes is behind it.  Evidence is inconclusive - nothing is left to point to any one person.  

Portland PD Detective Sam Murdock has seen it all when it comes to homicides.  At least he thought he had until he was called to the scene of this homicide.  The brutal and methodical methods used are unique to this crime until it becomes obvious they have a serial killer determined to taunt FBI agent Kaitlyn Knight.

Combining their efforts the FBI and Portland PD are determined to stop this killer before he strikes again and he's made it clear that Kait is his ultimate target.

If you are looking for a suspense filled thriller to keep you turning the pages this first book in Susan Sleeman's Agents Under Fire series is one you'll want to pick-up.

About the Book:
Will he help find her sister's killer . . . or lead the killer to her door?

When FBI Agent Kaitlyn Knight discovers her brother-in-law is Vyper-the notorious cyber-criminal and murderer wanted by the FBI-Kait doesn't question her duty to arrest him. But when he murders her sister in front of her, leaving her infant niece motherless, Kait vows to hunt him down and bring him to justice while raising the baby.

Three years later, and not even a whisper of a lead in her search, Kait is about to give up hope of ever finding Vyper. All of that changes when he goes on a murderous spree taunting Kait with clues that she and homicide detective Sam Murdock must solve before her devious brother-in-law takes another life. 

As the body count rises, Sam discovers the killing spree is really about striking back at Kait. He must put everything on the line-including the relationship he's developed with Kait-to ensure her safety. The killer is waiting, watching her every move, and he won't stop until he's exacted his revenge and reclaims his rights to raise his daughter.

Kissed by a Cowboy ~ Review

Kissed by a Cowboy
A Four of Hearts Ranch Romance #3
By Debra Clopton

Years ago Jarrod Monahan made the biggest mistake of his life and he drove Cassidy Starr into the arms of another man.  He's had years to regret his decision, but he's been given a second chance.

Unfortunately for Jarrod, Cassidy isn't willing to give him another chance to break her heart.  She's determined to make a new life for herself on the farm she's inherited from her Aunt Roxie.  And she's determined that romance has no place in her new life.

But Jarrod is nothing if not persistent as is evidenced by the current state of the Four of Hearts Ranch.  He put romance and a family of his own into the background as he focused on saving the ranch his father almost gambled away.  But Cassidy as a next door neighbor just might change Jarrod's priority list.

But Jarrod has another concern battling for priority in his life - cattle rustlers have moved in and they are costing the Four of Hearts thousands of dollars.  Can Jarrod determine who is threatening everything he's fought for and still get the girl of his dreams?  He is about to find out.

This is the third and final book in the Four of Hearts Ranch series that brings the Monahan brothers story to a conclusion that fans of the previous books should enjoy.

I was provided a copy of this book by the Fiction Guild in exchange for my honest review.


About the Book:

Cassidy was looking for a home and a place to belong . . . 

not for a cowboy to steal her heart. 

       Having lived through her parents' endless string of "matrimonial bliss gone wrong," Cassidy Starr knows when the odds are not in her favor. Divorced and humiliated, her faith on rocky ground, Cassidy is through with love. She's been bucked off that horse far too many times. Instead, she returns to Wishing Springs, Texas, and the rundown farm she's inherited from her great aunt Roxie. She'll reopen the strawberry farm and a bed & breakfast and follow in her aunt's footsteps, remaining forever-independent, happy . . . and single.
     Rancher Jarrod Monahan's hands are full running the ranch, looking after his ailing grandfather, and chasing down a group of rustlers on the loose. He's pushed his longing for a family to the bottom of his list of priorities. Besides, he was in love once but ran scared and lost his shot at happiness. But suddenly, the biggest regret of his life has moved in next door with a wounded heart, determined to become a spinster . . . and that's a challenge that Jarrod can't pass up.
      Jarrod sets his mind to breaking down the walls around Cassidy's stubborn heart. How can he show her that a cowboy's kiss lasts forever? For the good folks of Wishing Springs, falling in love has never been so much fun to witness.