Esther Larson is the top risk analyst at her bank, which also happens to be one of the largest within the US. Her job is, officially, to warn the investment powers that be of any foreseeable risks before investments are made. Unofficially she's supposed to find high-risk investments with big quick returns and not mention the potential downside.
But when a series of banking investments start pointing to a potential financial disaster Esther has to come out of the shell she's constructed around her life. To truly help prevent this looming and imminent threat she'll need to let someone into her life - someone who can help her get the word out before it is too late.
The Domino Effect takes the reader into the high risk world of speculative investing where everything is one trade away from bringing down not only a bank or a nation but the world's financial infrastructure. This is a world most are unfamiliar with so this is an enlightening reading experience even as the suspense builds with each flip of the page.
This was my latest up all night reading choice which may or may not be a good thing if you plan on getting a good night's sleep in. This is an excellent book if you are looking for suspense with a twist. Even as Esther attempts to prevent the disaster she sees coming someone is determined to stop her - silencing her voice permanently before she can reveal their darkest secrets.
An Uncommon Protector A Lone Star Hero's Love Story #2 By Shelley Shepard Gray
Laurel Tracey has inherited her family's ranch and she is carrying the burden alone. But several 100 acres would be daunting to manage even if she were a man with no other problems. But she's dealing with squatters, 2 useless, opinionated step-siblings, unwanted marriage proposals, purchase offers, and normal day-to-day upkeep. All Laurel wants to do is run her family's ranch, carrying on the dream she shared with her late parents and brother.
When the opportunity to acquire the services of a convict for one year presents itself Laurel is desperate enough to do so. But is this truly the wisest choice - after all the man was in jail? This decision is about to make her the fodder of the newest Sweetwater gossip, but Laurel needs the help if she hopes to keep her ranch and make it in any way profitable.
But just who is Sergeant Thomas Baker?
Thomas has once again made a decision that has cost him. He never claimed to be a good man, just a man who tried to do the right thing when it mattered. And gambling wasn't one of his finest moments and the debts he accrued landed him in jail. When presented with an opportunity to work off the rest of his sentence by working for one year, Thomas accepts. But the job that he agreed to is about to because much harder when someone starts targeting Laurel's cattle. Can Thomas keep the woman needs him safe? Or will they both become the next targets of whoever wants Laurel gone?
If it becomes more than he can handle on his own will Thomas reach out to the men who were there for him during his imprisonment on Johnson's Island? And if he does will they keep the promise they made to one another? And will they get to Thomas's side in time to save Laurel and her ranch?
This book flashes back to 1865 and Thomas's time on Johnson's Island in Ohio as a Confederate prisoner of war. The present story is set in 1867 Texas and surprising covers just a few days time. (I personally thought the romance moved a little too quick.) There is a whole lot of story packed in between these covers. Fans of post-Civil War historical romance fiction will enjoy this book.
This is the second book in A Lone Star Hero's Love Story series and I have not read the first book. But that didn't keep me from easily following this book from the opening page. I'm interested in reading about the others that Thomas served with.
I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher through the Fiction Guild with no expectation of a positive review. All expressed opinions are my own.
About the Book:
Overwhelmed by the responsibilities of running a ranch
on her own, Laurel Tracey decides to hire a convict—
a man who’s just scary enough to take care of squatters
and just desperate enough to agree to a one year post.
The years following the war have been hard on Laurel Tracey. Both her brother and her father died in battle, and her mother passed away shortly after receiving word of their demise. Laurel has been trying to run her two hundred acre ranch as best she can.
When she discovers that squatters have settled in her north pasture and have no intention of leaving, Laurel decides to use the last of her money to free a prisoner from the local jail. If she agrees to offer him room and board for one year, he will have to work for her to pay off his debt.
Former soldier Thomas Baker knows he’s in trouble when he finds himself jailed because he couldn’t pay a few fines. Laurel’s offer might be his only ticket out. Though she’s everything he ever dreamed of in a woman—sweet and tender-hearted, yet strong—he’s determined to remain detached, work hard on her behalf, and count the days until he’s free again.
But when cattle start dying and Laurel’s life is threatened, Thomas realizes more than just his freedom is on the line. Laurel needs someone to believe in her and protect her property. And it isn’t long before Laurel realizes that Thomas Baker is far more than just a former soldier. He’s a trustworthy hero, and he needs more than just his freedom—he needs her love and care too.
This is an Easter book unlike any I have ever read. This is an emotionally moving book that follows the journey of a small dog by the name of Barley. Barley's life takes several dramatic turns throughout the story. There are flashes showing Barley's early life and how he came to be where he calls home when the book opens. The book is set in Israel on the outskirts of Jerusalem during the final days of Jesus life.
The book is told entirely through Barley's perspective. And due to an unforeseen happening Barley finds himself in Jerusalem at the same time as the Teacher that everyone is speaking of. Barley observes the brutality of a land under Roman rule as well as unexpected pockets of kindness. And he observes the transforming power of the Teacher, the triumphant entrance into Jerusalem, and the cruelty of the Crucifixion.
The loyalty, the love Barley displays is touching even to the point of moving the reader to a tear or two. These two emotions are the catalysts that propel the story to its conclusion - a conclusion that will leave the reader satisfied and rejoicing in the transforming power of Messiah's message. This cover perfectly depicts this book.
I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher through the Fiction Guild with no expectation of a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
About the Book:
No one expected Barley to have an encounter with the Messiah. He was homeless, hungry, and struggling to survive in first century Jerusalem. Most surprisingly, he was a dog. But through Barley’s eyes, the story of a teacher from Galilee comes alive in a way we’ve never experienced before.
Barley’s story begins in the home of a compassionate woodcarver and his wife who find Barley as an abandoned, nearly-drowned pup. Tales of a special teacher from Galilee are reaching their tiny village, but when life suddenly changes again for Barley, he carries the lessons of forgiveness and love out of the woodcarver’s home and through the dangerous roads of Roman occupied Judea.
On the outskirts of Jerusalem, Barley meets a homeless man and petty criminal named Samid. Together, Barley and his unlikely new master experience fresh struggles and new revelations. Soon Barley is swept up into the current of history, culminating in an unforgettable encounter with the truest master of all as he bears witness to the greatest story ever told.
THE PROMISE, an epic and poignant film starring Academy-Award winner Christian Bale, Oscar Isaac (Star Wars: The Force Awakens, The Nativity Story), Marwan Kenzari and Charlotte Le Bon.
The PROMISE is a touching story about sacrifice and love. The film portrays two heroes – one with the courage to stand-up for the truth and speak out against injustice – and the other, a friend willing to pay the ultimate price to do what’s right.
Sometimes it is our friends who are the everyday and little known heroes who strengthen and nourish us. Their presence is a blessing – whether as a shoulder to lean or as a literal lifesaver.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Have you ever known a person in your own life who was willing to sacrifice for another? A sacrifice that affected the life of others? I have ~ here is a glimpse at what he gave.
J was faced with a decision he could reenlist or he could get out of the military. He was promised that if he reenlisted he would not be sent into the war zone. J needed this assurance with the promise of his first child on the way and his wife's fragile condition. With the assurances that he would stay where he was for the foreseeable future J signed the dotted line so to speak.
Less than a week after reenlisting J's assurances were gone and he was going to be deployed into the war hot zone. His wife was understandably distraught, but there was nothing that J could do. He had reenlisted and his future was no longer his choice.
But J had a friend - one who saw the situation J now found himself in. R was determined to do all he could to make right the situation J now found himself in. R offered to take J's place in the war and surprisingly his offer was acceptable to those who had the final say in deployment. R experienced the war that J was meant to see and to live. But R did what he did for J, his wife and the child they would soon welcome. R made it through the war but at a cost to his own health. But he did it for his friend and he never expressed a regret for the sacrifice he made.
Sometimes a simple word of encouragement makes a world of difference in someone's day. A helping hand, a listening ear, an offer of a shared lunch, a warm pot of soup. One may never know how a simple kindness and a smile can change another's world.
“Greater love hath no man than this,
that a man lay down his life for his friends.”
- John 15:13(KJV)
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Synopsis:
It is 1914. As the Great War looms, the mighty Ottoman Empire is crumbling. Constantinople, the once vibrant, multicultural capital on the shores of the Bosporus, is about to be consumed by chaos.
Michael Boghosian (Oscar Isaac), arrives in the cosmopolitan hub as a medical student determined to bring modern medicine back to Siroun, his ancestral village in Southern Turkey where Turkish Muslims and Armenian Christians have lived side by side for centuries. Photo-journalist Chris Myers (Christian Bale), has come here only partly to cover geo-politics. He is mesmerized by his love for Ana (Charlotte le Bon), an Armenian artist he has accompanied from Paris after the sudden death of her father.
When Michael meets Ana, their shared Armenian heritage sparks an attraction that explodes into a romantic rivalry between the two men. As the Turks form an alliance with Germany and the Empire turns violently against its own religious and ethnic minorities, their conflicting passions must be deferred while they join forces to survive even as events threaten to overwhelm them.
Promises are made and promises are broken. The one promise that must be kept is to live on and tell the story.
THE PROMISE is directed by Academy-Award winner Terry George (Hotel Rwanda, Hart’s War).
Nikki Boyd is anticipating her landing in Nashville and her reunion with Tyler Grant after his three-month stint overseas. But before the plane can touch down they have a sudden crash landing. The passenger next to Nikki disappears in the chaos. Nikki is determined to find her seat mate but no evidence of her presence on the flight can be found.
What Nikki never expected was getting caught up in a federal case before she has a chance to regroup and recover. Her family and her personal life will have to wait. Add in a health issue and Nikki is going to be running on adrenaline and determination before this case wraps-up. Time is of the essence and the clock is kicking down - if they don't find Erika Hamilton within 48 hours it will be too late and criminal will walk.
Someone is determined to silence everyone involved in this case and Nikki may have just become a moving target in this case.
Pursued is one you don't want to miss if you've read any of Lisa Harris's previous books. This is suspense and excitement bundled up perfectly between these covers. Bring on book 4!
About the Book:
Nikki Boyd's flight into Nashville was routine--
until the crash landing at the airport.
When the dust settles, Nikki discovers that the woman who had been seated next to her on the plane is missing--and no one will admit she was ever there. When she learns that Erika Hamilton had been flying to Nashville with an air marshal as a key witness in an upcoming grand jury trial, Nikki wonders if her disappearance from the crash site means she's running from trouble--or straight into it. Before Nikki can even see her family, she and her team are pulled into a missing persons case where the motives are as unclear as the suspects.
Bestselling and award-winning author Lisa Harris has planted danger around every turn in this can't-put-it-down thrill ride that will leave you stunned.
Casey Cox is on the run having escaped only because, Dylan Roberts, the man sent to hunt her, let her go. But does he truly believe she is innocent in the brutal murder of Brent Pace? And if he does can he help her prove her innocence and bring down the true killers who framed her?
As long as she stays a step or two ahead Casey is determined to find the evidence that she needs and stay alive long enough to prove that Brent's death is related to her father's. But as has proven to be the case before Casey can't let an injustice go unchallenged. When Casey comes across a case with a man being wrongly accused, his family is threatened, and a young girl who is caught up in the middle she can't walk away.
But caring could cost her everything as she is vilified even as her past actions are praised by the news media. Can she hide in plain sight while she looks for the key she needs to save yet another life? And can she trust Dylan enough to let him help her?
If I'm Found takes up right where If I Run left off - Casey is attempting to elude the police as she leaves behind the respite she sought in Shady Grove. The longer Casey is out there, eluding the police, the more determined those after her are to stopping her before she can share what she's learned. It is a race against time to find the evidence she needs and Casey can't go it alone if she wants to survive!
Now, if you are expecting a satisfying conclusion, don't. There is one more book in this series so be prepared for a cliff-hanger but the edge of danger isn't quite as close as it was at the conclusion of If I Run. Overall this is a good read. Most of the story is told from Casey or Dylan's point of view which allows the reader to experience it along with them. It will be interesting to see how this series finishes up.
I was provided a review copy of this book by the publisher through BookLook with no expectation of a positive review - all opinions expressed are my own.
About the Book:
Is Dylan hunting Casey
to prosecute her
or protect her?
Casey Cox is still on the run, fleeing prosecution for a murder she didn’t commit. Dylan Roberts—her most relentless pursuer—is still on her trail, but his secret emails insist that he knows the truth and wants to help her. He’s let her escape before when he had her in his grasp, but trust doesn’t come easily.
As Casey works to collect evidence about the real murderers, she stumbles on another unbearable injustice: an abused child and a suicidal man who’s also been falsely accused. Casey risks her own safety to right this wrong and protect the little girl from her tormenters. But doing so is risky and just may result in her capture—and if she’s captured, she has no doubt she’ll be murdered before she ever steps foot in a jail.
In this riveting sequel to the USA Today bestseller If I Run, evil lurks, drawing Casey out of the shadows . . . but there is light shining in the darkness. Is Dylan a provision from the God who loves her, or another heartache yet to happen?
Melanie Vander's life isn't what she expected - her husband is working late, she never had the children she wanted, and her latest book is just not getting written. Her husband Craig is frustrated the repressed economy has his company on the very brink of folding and his personal finances are non-existent. And then there is Melanie who gets lost in her alternant reality more often than not. Can anything save their marriage from the course that they now find themselves on?
Meanwhile, Melanie and Craig's neighbors Jill and Marcos are having troubles of their own. Jill has struggled for years with OCD and a recurring nightmare and it is getting worse. But she has fears that getting help may cost her more than she'll gain. Adding to this situation are stresses involving their own parents.
As these two couples work through what they are facing (or haven't faced) they will either become stronger or crumble. Can the love they've shared for years be a strong enough anchor to give them the foundation they need to rebuild and regroup?
Can they all find their way home?
Home is an intensely personal journey for the four main characters Melanie, Craig, Jill, and Marcos. They are all dealing with issues from the past. The strongest issue is an ungrieved loss. And the devastating part is that the grief has been hidden away - festering over the years until suddenly it has to make itself known.
All too often loss is hidden away to avoid dealing with it. Others try to marginalize it rather than acknowledging that someone has lost something precious to them. Another's loss makes us feel vulnerable so we avoid acknowledging another's pain and therefore exasperate their pain. But hiding from our pain isn't the answer as this book shows. We must at times be broken by pain and in the process become stronger because of it. The author weaves a powerful yet subtle message throughout this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
About the Book:
Melanie runs away.
From conflict.
From pain.
From reality.
When novelist Melanie Vander faces a looming deadline, she decides it’s time for an escape to an inspiring, novel-worthy locale. She’s not running away. Really. She just needs time to focus. But as she disappears into her writing, she encounters a man whose tenderness leaves her reeling. Engaging and wise, psychologist Elliot Hammond tempts Melanie to question everything, including her marriage.
But that’s ridiculous. Dr. Hammond isn’t even…real.
Melanie’s husband, Craig, has his own problems, including a recession that’s threatening his business. Waning finances, a looming home foreclosure, and a wife who’s checked out emotionally, has Craig feeling as though he’s carrying his burdens alone. When his client, the beautiful and single Serena Buchanan, offers him a solution to his financial woes, he’s tempted by more than her offer of a business solution.
At a crossroads, Melanie and Craig seem headed in opposite directions.
As Melanie runs away from her problems by escaping into her own fictional world, Craig dives into his struggles, seeking God for strength and healing for his marriage. Ultimately, Melanie must choose whether she’ll check out completely, or allow her characters to lead her home.
