Soulless by Joseph Badal

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MWSA Review

In Soulless, Joseph Badal shines a harsh and necessary spotlight on the global crime of human trafficking. From ancient civilizations to the present day, this evil has evolved in form but never disappeared. With sobering statistics, both financial and deeply personal, he delivers a powerful “teaching moment” making this crisis impossible to ignore.

Badal embeds reality within a high-stakes thriller. The result is a story that both educates and entertains. The turning of heads and blind eyes by governments, institutions, and society is a central moral theme.

The novel also continues the energy of Badal’s ongoing series, as familiar faces from the Curtis Chronicles return to wage a dangerous war against ruthless adversaries. The villains are chilling in their brutality and willing to eliminate anyone who threatens their power. The returning characters bring depth and continuity, while new figures are drawn into the cause by circumstance or conscience. The action is constant, and the risks are life-altering. Doing nothing is not an option, and the heroes’ relentless pursuit of justice outweighs even personal cost.

Badal’s characters are fully realized and believable. He presents complex motivations and moral struggles. His prose is vivid, the pacing and suspense seem real, and the book’s dramatic tension will not disappoint.

Readers will not want to put this book down.

Review by Sandi Cathcart 

 

Author's Synopsis

Soulless features Eddie Parnall and Tatiana Borodvic who were introduced in Joseph Badal's novel Justice, the third book in the Curtis Chronicles series. Parnall, a retired CIA agent, and Borodvic, a former Bulgarian Special Operator, join a high-octane cast of characters who starred in previous books in the Curtis Chronicles series. Joseph Badal introduces diabolical villains whom the reader will love to hate, while cheering on the good guys as they work to bring down evildoers. At a time when human trafficking has become a $150 billion-dollar annual business and a global catastrophe, SOULLESS offers a picture of the extent of this crime against humanity and puts the reader on a roller coaster ride of tension and suspense. The story is presented via well-drawn characters and dynamic dialogue that will entertain the most demanding thriller and mystery fans. Fans of Robert Ludlum, Robert Dugoni, and Brad Thor will love this story. Badal is a master at mystifying, misleading, surprising, and entertaining the reader.

Format(s) for review: Paper or Kindle
Review genre: Fiction—Mystery/Thriller/Crime
Pages/Word count: 414 / 100,293

Beneath Texas Skies by Liz Beth Rose

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MWSA Review

Beneath Texas Skies introduces us to KC Gates, a young woman who bears the scars of her early years, when she experienced sexual abuse in her childhood home and she learned that no adult was going to rescue her. KC returns to her hometown, Singer, in West Texas, with a mission: to help children who may be experiencing abuse. She believes she can achieve this aspiration as a substitute teacher.

Always on edge and distrustful, she is ready to protect herself physically and emotionally. In her teaching role, she has ample opportunity to engage with students in many schools in Singer and neighboring towns. KC can recognize the behaviors abused children exhibit. She lived it. And she wants to be their safe space and the champion she never had.

Two local men suspected of committing child abuse are murdered. A deputy sheriff needs to solve the crimes, and as he digs into the murders, it seems KC—a woman he is beginning to love—may be involved. He knows her well enough to understand her distrust and defensiveness are rooted in the abuse she experienced. But though she maintains her innocence, evidence accumulates and points to the likelihood of her involvement in the murders. She lives under a cloud of suspicion.

Author Liz Beth Rose takes us behind the scenes for a glimpse of the psychological damage childhood abuse can cause throughout a victim’s life. It is told through the lens of a young, wary woman who wants to love, to trust, and to help other children. Some uneven prose is offset by realistic dialogue, the growing attraction between the deputy sheriff and KC, and an occasional sprinkling of humor. The author creates a believable small-town setting.

Filled with warmth and suspense, this romance/murder mystery keeps the reader fully engaged with twists, turns, and surprises. Does KC keep her heart closed? Does she learn to trust? Or is she a psychopath?

Review by Patricia Walkow

 

Author's Synopsis

In a town filled with memories, can love heal the wounds of the past and offer a second chance at forever?

Haunted by the scars of childhood betrayal, KC Gates had learned one painful truth—crying for help meant nothing if no one cared enough to listen. When she once sought refuge in a teacher’s kindness, her plea was ignored, shattering her heart all over again. Determined to be the voice she never had, she became a teacher herself, vowing to stand as a fierce protector for victims of abuse.

Returning to her hometown in rural West Texas, KC embraced life as a traveling substitute teacher, moving from one classroom to another. But when two locals—both suspected child abusers—were murdered, the town turned its gaze on her. As evidence mounted, every step she took felt like a tightrope walk between justice and condemnation. Even the one man who had broken through her walls—the only man she dared to trust—began to doubt her.

But as the case against her began to unravel, the town’s Deputy Sheriff found himself at a crossroads: follow the case or follow his heart. Working to unmask the real killer, he saw past her defenses, past her pain, to the woman beneath the suspicion. And when the truth pointed to a long-buried secret, KC faced the hardest choice of all—let the past keep her heart closed or risk everything for love.

Format(s) for review: Paper or Kindle
Review genre: Fiction—Romance
Pages/Word count: 206 / 58,210

Recycled Hearts by Liz Beth Rose

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MWSA Review

Recycled Hearts by Liz Beth Rose is this author’s debut novel. Ellie Pierson books a Mediterranean cruise to Croatia with three of her closest friends, hoping to purge the sadness and guilt regarding her late husband’s death in a cycling accident. An avid and devoted long-distance cyclist, Ellie is on the bike in the gym on the first day at sea when she has a close encounter with a handsome man she saw boarding the ship the day before. Jonathan Hughes introduces himself, and from that point on, he and Ellie spend more time together. They fall in lust and then fall in love. Ellie’s girlfriends also find shipboard romances, and at times, the story reads like a Spring Break adventure.

Meanwhile, someone has plans to stalk and hurt Ellie because they think she has information they need to claim embezzled money stolen from Jonathan’s shipping company. After an attempt on her life, Jonathan is solely focused on protecting the woman he has fallen for. In chapter fifteen, we discover who the evil culprits are, their motive, and what their final plan is to extract information from Ellie. However, Ellie and Jonathan have discovered what the bad guys want from her, and in doing so, thwart their plans to get their hands on the money. Furious at being discovered, the bad guy decides the best way out is to kidnap Ellie and demand a ransom. But he does not intend to let Ellie live.

This romance novel is slow to cycle, but it picks up enough speed to be a hot romance intertwined with mystery and intrigue. For mature audiences only.

Review by Nancy Panko

 

Author's Synopsis

Recycled Hearts will tug at your heartstrings and leave you breathless.

Experience the resounding power of love, destiny, and redemption as Ellie emerges from the shadows of a haunting accident, embracing an intoxicating second chance at romance. But as sparks fly and love blossoms, an enigmatic mystery killer lurks, threatening to unravel everything she holds dear.

Buckle up for an unforgettable adventure packed with riveting twists, everlasting hope, and unwavering determination. Recycled Hearts will ignite your spirit, reignite your passions, and remind you that in the face of tragedy, true strength and courage emerge. Prepare yourself for an emotional rollercoaster like no other as you join Ellie on her exhilarating and suspenseful journey.

Discover the transformative power of love, the irresistible allure of fate, and the enigmatic nature of second chances. Dive into the pages of Recycled Hearts and immerse yourself in the extraordinary life-altering odyssey of Ellie. Let her story inspire you, thrill you, and awaken you.

Format(s) for review: Paper or Kindle
Review genre: Fiction—Romance
Pages/Word count: 202 / 53,466

A Gamble on Liberty by Robert W Smith

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MWSA Review

A Gamble on Liberty is a unique work of historical fiction set in the American Civil War era. The storyline avoids the popular broad sweep of regional campaigns and famous battles by focusing on a less well-known theater of the War—eastern Tennessee. In the months leading up to the inauguration of Abraham Lincoln, the state was deeply divided between pro-secessionists and pro-union sympathizers.

Plot dynamics are set in place when the state legislature votes to join the Confederacy. Immediately afterward, throughout the state, greedy individuals with scores to settle are suddenly in positions of political and military power. Unionist residents in the mountainous eastern counties find themselves the targets of revenge and retribution.

The appeal in this story lies in its two central characters—a young married couple who are actual historical figures. Robert L. Gamble, a pro-Union farmer and slave owner, ultimately decides to join the Union Army. His wife Permelia is left behind to defend the homestead and her extended family against an array of adversaries ranging from Confederate militia to corrupt officials and outlaws.

The narrative moves back and forth between Robert’s wartime actions and trials as a cavalry officer and Permelia’s challenges as a woman under attack on several fronts. The scope of the account highlights the personal tragedies of the region’s residents by relating factual events and figures interwoven with fictional characters and their conflicts.

This book will appeal to true devotees of Civil War history who are interested in the impact of the war on the civilian populace on both sides. Although the work does not contain any fresh material about major campaigns or battles of the Civil War, it brings to light compelling aspects of a lesser-known theater of the conflict and underscores the War’s devastating impact on the lives of its inhabitants, soldiers and civilians alike.

Review by Peter Adams Young

 

Author's Synopsis

Inspired by a true story, A Gamble on Liberty shadows the struggles of one East Tennessee couple, Captain Robert and Permelia Gamble, during the American Civil War as they grapple with two horrific conflicts simultaneously. Compelled by loyalty and circumstance, Robert enlists in the Union Army, forcing Permelia to lead the family and its two slaves in a defense of their property and lives from bushwhackers, deserters, and hostile neighbors during his frequent absences.

Desperate to help their families, Robert and his comrades shuffle tirelessly between battlefield and home to smite their common enemies, protect their people and deliver justice to their oppressors.

Fueled by a deep love for one another and a mutual sense of patriotism, Robert and Permelia endure tragedy, imprisonment, estrangement, and loss in their struggle against the forces of darkness, all while forced to struggle with the age-old question of human bondage. But theirs is also a story of their beloved Tennessee Valley, a place at war against itself. Although simple farmers, the Gambles and their two slaves rise to extraordinary heights in their resolve and capacity to persevere despite unspeakable suffering and loss. Now, bound by faith in Abraham Lincoln and driven by love of country, they risk all in a desperate gamble on liberty.

Format(s) for review: Paper or Kindle
Review genre: Fiction—Historical Fiction
Pages/Word count: 285 / 80,386

Born in Blood by Megan Michelle

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MWSA Review

Born in Blood by Megan Michelle features Rachel Ryker, a.k.a. Skylark, a female former Navy SEAL who cares deeply about her female intelligence assets in a male-dominated culture in the Middle East. Rachel and her retired Navy boyfriend, Christopher Williams, have bought a home in D.C. so Rachel can start a new job—on a desk—overseeing her team in the field. Christopher is at loose ends, trying to find his calling in the civilian world. He watches from the sidelines as Rachel orchestrates her SEAL Team activities. Christopher no longer has his security clearance to help or advise Rachel in her new job. However, he and Rachel have worked closely for eleven years. He knows what she needs, when she needs it, and he helps anyway because of his intuition.

The story has dark underpinnings, illustrating the ravages of PTSD. Christopher encourages Rachel to go to a counselor to deal with her urge to self-harm and her occasional uncontrollable rages. Rachel finds in Catherine someone who listens and can direct Rachel’s urges in a more positive manner. The story reveals Rachel’s acting out, her need for rough sex, cussing like a sailor, rage at a patriarchal society, and lack of patience with bureaucracy.

Tracking a notorious Al-Qaeda leader who kidnaps the son of Rachel’s intelligence asset is a test of her faith in her team. They uncover a child-trafficking ring planning the most heinous attacks one can imagine, and one with Rachel as the target.

This fast-paced novel will have you on the edge of your seat.

FOR MATURE AUDIENCES ONLY

Review by Nancy Panko

 

Author's Synopsis

Desk duty was not what Rachel Ryker had in mind when she became the first female Navy SEAL, but if finding love with her former teammate, Christopher Williams, was the trade off, then fine. Adjusting to life in D.C. after being pulled from combat was difficult enough, but when Khalid Khan, a notorious Al-Qaeda leader, kidnaps the son of Rachel’s intelligence asset, she learns just how much harder it is to rescue a kid from a desk. She’ll need to get creative and learn to trust others to get the job done. Caught between duty and her thirst for revenge, Rachel must navigate a treacherous path to rescue the boy and uncover a dangerous conspiracy involving her old enemies. Can she save the child and bring justice to those who wronged her, or will her past catch up with her?

Christopher is adjusting to retirement, trying to find a new purpose since he chose Rachel over his career as a SEAL. The rules of engagement have changed. Rachel’s keeping secrets and chasing terrorists without him, keeping him in the dark. Respecting that boundary proves more than difficult for them both. When Rachel goes on a path Christopher can no longer follow, will their relationship be strong enough to survive, or did he give up everything for nothing?

Format(s) for review: Paper or Kindle
Review genre: Fiction—Literary Fiction
Pages/Word count: 447 / 135,635

Task Force Thunderbolt by Galen D. Peterson

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MWSA Review
Galen Peterson’s third Global Response Force book, Task Force Thunderbolt, picks up where Lighting Six left off, with the same likeable heroes and gritty combat that made that book so enjoyable.

Six months after Lightning Six, NATO is preparing its counterattack. Captain Trondfjell had led Lightning Troop through hell and now has them replenished and ready to do their part. However, on the eve before the battle, he is pulled up to staff and has to say goodbye to his comrades. Little does he know that fate and the enemy will come calling and have him back in combat sooner than expected. But this time, it’s more than just Lightning’s lives on the line. Will he come through yet again?

This book is written in the same style as the previous installment, is technically accurate, and does a decent job of capturing the camaraderie developed in combat. Fans of Tom Clancy, Dale Brown, or Harold Coyle will find much to enjoy here.

Review by Rob Ballister
 

Author's Synopsis

After six months stagnation on the Ukrainian battlefield, NATO’s counteroffensive looms. Captain Logan Trondfjell and the armored warriors of Lightning Troop will guard the right flank. On the eve of battle, Logan moves up to squadron staff, pulling him farther from his old battle buddy, Sergeant First Class Running Bear. Opposite no-mans-land, Russian divisions mass to crush the counteroffensive. Behind the Russian divisions, a top-secret prisoner of war camp contains Americans the Russians would rather kill than return. Only a daring raid by Captain Sam Gentry’s U.S. Rangers can rescue their fate. As Russian President Voroshilov’s war climaxes, a blizzard isolates all and stirs the swirling chaos.

Format(s) for review: Paper or Kindle
Review genre: Fiction—Mystery/Thriller/Crime
Pages/Word count: 312 / 92,000

Both Sides of the Pond, My Family's War: 1933-1946 by Barbara Kent Lawrence

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MWSA Review

Author Barbara Kent Lawrence weaves a rich tapestry of the lives of her British mother and uncle from 1933 to 1946, before, during, and just after World War II.

The London siblings are in their early twenties when war is imminent, and then a reality. Barbara Green (Stage name: Barbara Greene) is a successful young actress, and Kent Green is an accountant. Before the war begins, Barbara meets Joseph Kennedy, Jr., son of the U.S. Ambassador to England, Joseph Kennedy, Sr. They develop a relationship, and as the war rages, Ambassador Kennedy facilitates Barbara's passage to the United States to escape the hostilities and shield her from a German victory over her country, if England is defeated.

In the early years of the war and despite their burgeoning careers, Kent and Barbara heed the call to national service. Barbara, finding it difficult to find acting work, joins the Voluntary Aid Detachment (VAD) and is trained to care for sick and injured patients. Kent enlists in the Army Service Corps (RASC), and, as an officer, manages the procurement and distribution of supplies to front-line troops.

Through letters written by Barbara, Kent, their mother Muriel, and others, we learn how people coped with loneliness, injury, and grief, as friends, families, and places are devastated. One can easily sense the loving relationship between Kent and Barbara, and see how they mature.

The author creates vivid images of Barbara’s voyage to the United States, the passengers’ fears of German U-boat attacks on their ship, and trepidations about starting life in America. As the war rages in England and the rest of Europe, America offers a place of peace, opportunity, and solace for Barbara, until Pearl Harbor is attacked and America joins the conflagration.

Alternating between Barbara’s war on the west side of the Atlantic, and Kent’s on the east side, we see these siblings find love, lose love and loved ones, face fear, and survive. Besides the engaging prose and realistic dialog, photos, charts, letters, diary entries, diagrams, and documents support the story’s events and human drama within the historical context of the time. The book is well-researched, easy to read, and includes all the necessary references, attributions, and notes.

The author identifies the story as “historical fiction,” and it falls well into the parameters of creative nonfiction—a true story created in the style of fiction and told against the backdrop of a specific period in time.

War stories are very personal. This is such a story, and it offers insight into how two young people navigated difficult years that altered the trajectories of the lives they thought they would live. It is a worthy read, written beautifully. Don't miss it.

Review by Patricia Walkow

 

Author's Synopsis

In January of 1939 when Barbara Greene, a beautiful and successful young British actress, who was serving as a Voluntary Aide Detachment nurse, met Joe Kennedy Jr., son of the American Ambassador, she could not have expected that their relationship would lead to her emigrating to America sponsored by Ambassador and Mrs. Kennedy. Nor could her brother, Kent, have foreseen his bitter retreat from Dunkirk when he left England in January 1940 to fight in France, or his subsequent service in Cornwall, North Africa, Sicily, and Burma. Their stories portray the war on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean, and on the home and battle fronts.

Evan Thomas, author of two best-selling books notes "Barbara Lawrence has given us an intimate, harrowing, and vivid portrait of two young people engulfed by a world war... For anyone who wants to know what it is really like to have your world turned upside down, read this book and be shocked, thrilled and moved." Based on a true story, "Both Sides of the Pond, My Family's War -1933-1943" is deeply researched and powerful.

Format(s) for review: Paper Only
Review genre: Fiction—Historical Fiction
Pages/Word count: 393 / 122,776