Magical Morning Moments: Awakening to Love and Light by Wanda W. Jerome and Jasmine Tritten

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MWSA Review

Magical Morning Moments: Awakening to Love and Light is a delightful surprise of art with every turn of the page. Wanda Jerome’s poetry complements Jasmine Tritten’s kaleidoscope of sunrises over the breathtaking New Mexico’s Sandia Mountains.

In the last poem, Jerome’s words accompany the promise of daybreak over the mountains captured by Tritten. “The sun breaks free. Shine on, rays of life! No longer do I have to search for Thee. I am here, a willing target for your love.”

This inspirational and lovely book brings a peace of mind and a piece of art to brighten your day. I breezed through it and then again. Thank you, ladies, for this unique gift.

Review by Nancy Panko (April 2024)
 

Author's Synopsis

Heartfelt poems channeled through spiritual inspiration and personal messages of love and light accompany photographs of enchanting New Mexico's beautiful sunrises over the Sandia Mountains. Included are glimpses into the natural environment of New Mexico – the flora and fauna – that make it a special destination for nature lover and spiritual seekers.

This collaboration came about magically through a shared appreciation of their experiences during morning meditations. Weaving a tapestry of poems and photographs, the authors hope to lift the spirits of souls in need of love, light and joy.

Format(s) for review: Paper Only

Review Genre: Artistic—Pictorial/Coffee Table

Number of Pages: 108

Word Count: 3,260

Thirty Years Ago: Life and the First Gulf War by Juan Manuel Pérez

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MWSA Review

Juan Manuel Perez shows us why he was selected as Poet Laureate for Corpus Christi in his book Thirty Years Ago: Life and the First Gulf War. In this collection of fifty poems, author Perez writes a memoir-in-verse remembering his deployment to the war. As a medic, he saw the horrors of war firsthand. He didn't need to go looking for them; they were brought to him. From a transport plane that nearly crashes on top of his tent to routine combat, the memories of those injured and dying souls still haunt him. In addition to the violence of war, the sadness and separation from family affected him and the others around him. This book is a very good read. It had me hooked from the first poem.

Review by Bob Doerr (April 2024)
 

Author's Synopsis

Thirty Years Ago: Life and the First Gulf War by Juan Manuel Pérez (“Doc”) is a fifty-sonnet, autobiographical recollection of memories and thoughts about serving in the First Gulf War in 1990 to 1991, otherwise known as Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm/Desert Calm, as a Navy Corpsman in a Marine Corps Battalion while earning the title of “DEVIL DOC.” It is also about life after that, especially thoughts coming back to haunt the now veteran severely during the isolating time of the COVID-19 pandemic in conjunction with the Thirty-Year Anniversary of that same war, causing spikes in his PTSD and recurring nightmares. The author’s hope for this book is to let others continue to see that they are not alone in the silent suffering that goes with serving our country, especially in war or in any other event that may lead to PTSD. He hopes they can see that by continuing to talk or write about it, that it can become an integral part of the healing process, even if we can’t get the events out of our minds. This fast-paced, easy-to-read memoir-in-verse is in fact a first-person, oral account of one of America’s last global conflicts of the 20th century. This book will prove to be a great addition to your reading selections whether you are a poetry lover or a student of history. This book will surely become a supplemental college reading text in the study of the human cost of America’s involvement in modern day global conflicts.

Format(s) for review: Paper Only

Review Genre: Poetry—Poetry Book

Number of Pages: 77

Word Count: 7,724

One at a Time by Allen Wittenborn

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MWSA Review

One at a Time by Allen Wittenborn will be an enjoyable read for anybody looking to have a sense of the human element in some memorable events from history. It's written in a nice, succinct way so that readers can jump to any specific chapter that suits their reading mood at the time. 

Review by Frank Biggio (April 2024)

 

Author's Synopsis

This baker's dozen of short reads explores the lives of people from a diverse range of backgrounds, locations, and time periods. They include true cases and imaginary ones. Some of the protagonists do well, others not so well. You'll find stories that are one hundred-percent factual, some purely imaginary, others a bit of each--creative nonfiction. Some end ambiguously or have no end at all. The stories are not listed in any particular order. They are not listed chronologically. There is no topic that binds them together, none of them is connected to another. The only common theme, it is hoped, is a potpourri of enjoyable stories.

Format(s) for review: Paper and Kindle

Review Genre: Other—Anthology/Collection

Number of Pages: 207

Word Count: 57,000

Into The Storm by Darcy Guyant

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MWSA Review

Whether you’re a young reader seeking an exciting new adventure or a concerned parent looking for an inspiring story, Into the Storm delivers the tale of an exhilarating Coast Guard helicopter rescue through stormy skies and over rough seas. Darcy Guyant, a retired U.S. Coast Guard Commander with 25 years of military service, draws on his firsthand experiences to add just the right amount of authenticity to this story of Dolph, a Coast Guard HH-65 "Dolphin" rescue helicopter; his skilled pilot, Gwen; and the rescue crew.

Through Dolph and Gwen’s daring escapade, readers learn about important themes, such as courage, trust, and teamwork. The illustrations are exceptionally vivid and colorful, not only enhancing the storytelling but also sparking the imaginations of young readers. This book is a delightful blend of creativity, imagination, and authenticity that will transport children to the daring world of the U.S. Coast Guard. Into the Storm has it all: captivating imagery, an engaging storyline, great characters, and important themes.

Review by Bob Ritchie (April 2024)
 

Author's Synopsis

A severe storm quickly develops, catching three fishermen off guard in the open ocean. They are in danger of sinking and need help, fast! Who will come to their rescue?

Dolph, a Coast Guard HH-65 “Dolphin” rescue helicopter and his pilot, Gwen, quickly respond to save the three men in distress. But the mission is not easy. Courage, team work, and trusting the team to do their jobs are essential.

In order to reach the sinking boat as quickly as possible, they must fly directly into the storm, which makes both Dolph and Gwen very nervous. They must trust each other, work as a team, and demonstrate courage to save the men who are in danger of drowning.

Dolph, Gwen, the Rescue Swimmer (Sam), and the Flight Mechanic (Mike) work together to accomplish the mission, even while facing additional unexpected challenges.

This story is based on an actual rescue mission performed by the author, Darcy Guyant, a retired U.S. Coast Guard HH65 Dolphin helicopter pilot.

Format(s) for review: Paper Only

Review Genre: Children & Young Adult—Picture Book

Number of Pages: 40

Word Count: 1118

Rescued by Andy L. Vistrand

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MWSA Review

Rescued by Andy L. Vistrand is a story of “man meets dog” when they both are down and out for the count. A perfect pairing results in the rescuing of souls, but who exactly rescued whom?

Anyone who has owned a dog knows that the unconditional love from a pet can soothe away the doldrums of a bad day. However, for a former combat veteran, a loyal pet can make the difference between choosing life versus death. Science can prove the physiological benefits of owning and caring for a pet. But science can’t measure the bond of love between a pet and its owner.

Rescued describes thirteen years and two days of companionship and unconditional love. It’s is a love story, and you can’t help but love Dozer—almost as much as Andy did. Rest in peace, Dozer.

Review by Nancy Panko (March 2024)
 

Author's Synopsis

"Rescued" is a personal memoir about how a stray dog rescued me from darkness and how I rescued him from homelessness. The book discusses the benefits that a dog adds to human lives. The book also discusses scientific evidence that support the benefits of a therapy dog and how they add value to combat veterans returning from overseas combat deployments.

Format(s) for review: Paper Only

Review Genre: Nonfiction—Memoir/Biography

Number of Pages: 85

Word Count: 14,440

A Dangerous Season: A Sheriff Matt Callahan Mystery by Russell Fee

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MWSA Review

A Dangerous Season by Russell Fee is an interesting mystery set during winter on Nicolet Island, Michigan. This book is the third in the Sheriff Matt Callahan series and has all the twists and turns of a good who-dun-it. Author Fee throws a lot at his protagonist in the form of a missing girl, several murders, poisoned lake water, and a civic protest regarding his own competence as sheriff. Add in organized crime and Indian evil spirits, and one can see why Sheriff Callahan may want to throw in the towel.  Fortunately, Callahan finds an ally in the nearby Indian reservation's chief of police. Together they try to get to the truth. However, that truth is as slippery as the ice that surrounds them. This book is an easy read full of characters that you will like and bad ones that you will not like. I recommend it.

Review by Bob Doerr (April 2024)
 

Author's Synopsis

A Dangerous Season, the third Sheriff Matt Callahan mystery novel, depicts life on Callahan's iced-in island during a brutal winter. Callahan, who originally sought peace on Nicolet Island after a fatal acid attack on his fiancée, one that left him both physically and emotionally disfigured, now discovers a lone young girl hiding in the island wilderness. She is unable to speak but agile at surviving on her own in the desperate cold. In the quest to discover the girl's identity, Callahan teams with the Ojibwe tribal police and is drawn to a place where myth and reality merge deep in the Northwoods' most dangerous season and where a haunting malevolence threatens both his island and Indian country. Callahan and his two young deputies, together with an Ojibwe detective, work to uncover the source of the threat that endangers those they are sworn to protect.

Besides the mystery of the girl and what brought her to Nicolet Island, this winter begets other dangerous conundrums: contaminated lake fish, an island murder, and a dead body in the woods. As Callahan's experienced young deputy, Amanda, and her neophyte partner, Nick, work with Callahan to solve the island's crimes, they face the additional challenge of piggybacking a professional relationship on one that began as deeply personal. Callahan faces his own relationship challenges when he and Julie, his romantic partner, disagree over the eventual placement of the found girl.

Knitting A Dangerous Season together is the indelible sense of place the Northwoods convey. In contrast to the bustling tourist environment of earlier Callahan novels, winter imbues Nicolet Island with both icy danger and lyrical beauty-a fitting environment for a teeth-chattering thriller.

Format(s) for review: Paper and Kindle

Review Genre: Fiction—Mystery/Thriller/Crime

Number of Pages: 307

Word Count: 60,000

The Shield Before Me by Jamison Whiteman

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MWSA Review

“What was done was done,” asserts the central character in Chapter Twenty-three of Jamison Whiteman’s The Shield Before Us; and most of us have said or thought the same thing at some time. But “Was it?” asks this novel provocatively, taking readers on a journey into a world of science fiction that involves time travel and the potential of changing history.

Dr. Murray Edgeton, scarred by insensitive treatment growing up in small-town West Texas, hates the church he was forced to attend, making him a devoted anti-theist. As a brilliant physicist, he later leads a team of world class scientists to a breakthrough anticipated by Einstein’s theories of relativity that inspires a scheme by which he can debunk Christian teaching.

Utilizing “wormholes” in space and time, Edgeton inserts a team into the moment of Christ’s crucifixion, anticipating that they will find that Jesus was just an ordinary, itinerant preacher of his age, not the actual son of God. With his agents’ return to the present—without the evidence they thought they’d find—he seeks other ways to undermine the Christian church and its influence. But romance enters his world when he meets a young woman who changes his mind about religion. While not immediately converted to her beliefs, he finds himself more sympathetic to the principles she explains—and demonstrates. What should he do now?

The conflict between science and faith continues to drive the story through twists and turns (like the “Portals” of the “Space-Time Continuum”) to a complex conclusion. Alternating scenes in present-day California with events in first-century Palestine, the novel tracks world-renowned thinkers battling to determine the future. At the same time, the book asks us to consider if, given modern technology, travel in time isn’t already close in the real world. Music, one of his characters explains, takes us to other countries and times. Another reminds us that modern cuisine connects ingredients, styles, and tastes from many cultures and periods. That the scientists working on the Einstein Project come from around the world underscores how information moves at light speed in a digital universe. The characters, all well established in their professional careers, seem able to drop what they’re doing, and fly across the country to a distant location after a phone call. Finally, the fact that early disciples were able to spread their teachings across the globe asks us how contemporary social media—Facebook, TikTok, Instagram—now affect the thoughts and behaviors of millions with amazing speed.

As characters with hidden motives pursue different ends, their friends and colleagues do not know that some are from other times and places. Receiving mental and physical shocks, other characters lose their grasp of the time and place they inhabit. Unable to predict the novel’s plot, readers are bounced from possibility to possibility until they reach the end and a strong message about religious persecution in the twenty-first century.

Review by Michael Lund (March 2024)
 

Author's Synopsis

In The Shield Before Me, the sequel to The Quietude of Calvary, we once again find Dr. Murray Edgeton; the most brilliant physicist in at least three generations who has unlocked the secrets of time-travel; accessing the Space-Time Continuum in an attempt to alter events from the past. His goal: prevent the spread of Christianity and its role in World history. To accomplish this, he plans to send a team back to First Century Jerusalem and eliminate the Apostles and the early Christian Evangelists. Navy SEALs Declan O'Sullivan and Toma Bodagh who had previously traveled back in time to witness the crucifixion of Jesus, discover Murray’s plan and return to the First Century to stop it. The Shield Before Me flows seamlessly from the research laboratories of the present day to Jerusalem and the Nineveh Plain of the First Century and then continues to the Great Fire of Nero’s Rome as Declan and Toma fight to protect the first Christian communities and the Evangelists as they spread the Gospel of Jesus of Nazareth.

Format(s) for review: Paper and Kindle

Review Genre: Fiction—Horror/Fantasy/Sci-Fi

Number of Pages: 364

Word Count: 126,717

Route 66 Déjà Vu by Michael Lund

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MWSA Review

Route 66 Déjà Vu by Michael Lund is a story of life and change in America during a unique period in American History. The story is tangentially tied to the most famous American highway in recent history, the fabled Route 66. In this story, the old Route 66 is used as a backdrop to a man’s discovery that his early perceptions of life were wrong, and that the life that he had thought he had enjoyed was different and more complex than he had realized.

The author places most of the action in the novel in Fairfield, Missouri, a town that sits along a segment of the Missouri portion of Route 66. The main character of the story, Curtis, is tasked with helping to arrange his 50th high school class reunion. The story follows Curtis as he works with the reunion committee to rewrite the High School Annual and bring it up to date after 50 years. As a side project, Curtis wants to restage a weekly Bridge game that he held most weekends with some of his classmates. In addition, Curtis tries to encourage his classmates to donate to a new scholarship fund. In the course of the story, Curtis makes visits to Route 66 and some of its iconic cafes, motels, and tourist attractions. The real story here appears to be Curtis’s travails in trying to bring about a perfect 50th Class Reunion for his high school when many of his classmates have different points of view and experiences than he does after graduation.

The author, through Curtis, touches on several important issues, like race relations, misogyny, and service in the military, in the course of his attempts to convince other classmates to support his ideas for the reunion. Who knew that arranging a 50th reunion could be quite such an adventure?

Review by Larry Sharrar (March 2024)
 

Author's Synopsis

Route 66 Déjà Vu explores the confirmations and revisions of individual and collective history for a generation that grew up in the '50s and '60s in a small town on The Mother Road. The occasions are a 50th high school class reunion and the 100th birthday of one classmate's mother, the matriarch of her family and a representative of the Greatest Generation. The stories of the class's male and female Vietnam veterans are integrated into the longer narrative and present a distinctive perspective on the American Dream.

Michael Lund’s five-volume novel series chronicles an American family during times of peace and war from 1915 to 2015.

Format(s) for review: Paper and Kindle

Review Genre: Fiction—Literary Fiction

Number of Pages: 239

Word Count: 64,469

Finding Waypoints by Terese Schlachter and Colonel Gregory Gadson (ret.)

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MWSA Review

Finding Waypoints: A Warrior’s Journey Towards Peace and Purpose is a highly impactful book introducing readers to an amazing man who not only survives catastrophic injuries, but excels in his recovery, due to his resilient nature. From the gridiron to combat and back, Colonel Greg Gadson demonstrates the power of belief and reliance on teammates and family in this inspirational story.

The prologue sets the stage well for how the story will be told. Pentagon Channel then-reporter Terese Schlachter meets Gadson while covering a story at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. He literally “tumbles” into her life. Her excellent research and first-hand observations make the reader feel as if he or she is there in many of the scenes. She is also a gifted writer and storyteller whose closeness to her co-author Gadson and his family shines through in her words.

All the characters come to life, and the emotions range from hopelessness to humor to unconditional love. This book should be required reading for the military’s reading lists as an example of believing in what one can do and following personal waypoints to create and achieve success.

Review by Valerie Ormond (February 2024)
 

Author's Synopsis

In military jargon, the word “waypoints” refers to guideposts on a map used to direct soldiers in or out of a location like a rendezvous point. For Colonel Greg Gadson—a battalion commander and former West Point football player— who lost both legs as a result of an IED attack in Iraq in 2007, these waypoints were to change drastically, and inform his future life through his long, painful recovery and emergence as a spiritual guide and assistant coach to the NY Giants during their own trials of fire in the 2007 season that took them from last place to a Super Bowl championship in 2008. Soon after, Gadson also starred in a major motion picture (“Battleship”) and since then has become a motivational speaker for thousands of individuals, both civilian and military, and leader for veterans’ programs and outdoor experiential healing expeditions. This honest and deeply personal story of transformation from battlefield leader to speaker and life coach, will inspire readers to consider their own waypoints towards their own life’s betterment and the lives of those around them.

Format(s) for review: Paper and Kindle

Review Genre: Nonfiction—Memoir/Biography

Number of Pages: 341

Word Count: 96,000

The List: A Vince Torelli Mystery, Book 4 by John R Schembra

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MWSA Review

The List by John Schembra is a mystery set in San Francisco that begins when a naked corpse is found in the 19th-century tunnel system beneath the city. Detective Vince Torelli is on the case and soon begins to receive cryptic notes from the killer, taunting the detective to catch him and promising that there will be more bodies.

The serial killer, John Bruber, is a complex character. Bullied unmercifully in grade school, he vows to murder each person who took part in his mental and physical torture. Buber fancies himself to be of higher intelligence than Detective Torelli and the police in general, because he manages to elude the police after every murder, leaving no evidence behind. As the cops determine Bruber’s motive, the killer becomes more anxious and slips up. Vince Torelli must stop John Bruber from killing again, and all the law enforcement resources are called into play.

The cat and mouse game had me on the edge of my seat, and I had a difficult time putting the book down. I appreciate a good crime mystery written by a cop. As a reader, I enjoy getting a glimpse of the behind-the-scenes investigations. The List did not disappoint.

Review by Nancy Panko (April (2024)
 

Author's Synopsis

A recently mutilated, naked corpse is found in an early 19th century tunnel under San Francisco. With no forensic evidence, solving the crime seems nearly impossible

After San Francisco Homicide Inspector Vince Torelli begins investigating, notes from the killer, addressed to him,start showing up. Vince realizes this murder may be the first of several, leading him on a deadly, multi-state investigation.

Format(s) for review: Paper or Kindle

Review Genre: Fiction—Mystery/Thriller/Crime

Number of Pages: 233

Word Count: 59,000

Deadly Depths by John F. Dobbyn

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MWSA Review

John Dobbyn’s Deadly Depths is not a mystery thriller—it’s two action-packed thrillers! A pirate story, tucked within a complicated multi-murder mystery, is so intriguing it could stand on its own.

Archeologist Barry Holmes dies by suicide (not!). His protégé and dear friend, law professor Matthew Shane, embarks on a treacherous and tenacious quest to find out who killed Holmes. Holmes was one of five members of a secret society in search of an elusive treasure. Matt traipses all over the world, following cryptic clues, jumping through hoops, trying to stay one step ahead of an unknown, but quite dangerous enemy, not knowing who to trust. Clarity for Matt only begins to set in when he meets Mr. Mehmed and his daughter, who explain: When the Spanish attempted to decimate the Aztec culture in the name of Christianity, a particular statue (“jeweled facets set in the purest gold, standing higher than my waist”) was salvaged. It was the ultimate cultural, financial, and spiritual possession; the secret location was handed down from leader to leader.

Matt’s escapades include deadly baboons, alligators, snakes, and diving down to a sunken slave ship in an attempt to retrieve a 400-year-old pirate’s journal. “I followed him through that particular moment that only those who dive can comprehend—an instantaneous passing, as through Alice’s looking glass, into a world as alien as outer space, the submerged realm of the sea.” This reader was mesmerized by the tale (or is it historical fact?) documented by the young protégé of the famous privateer, Captain Morgan.

Whether describing horrifying scenarios or jet-setting yachts and mansions, complete with delicious meals (“croissants so light they required fresh butter and jam to keep them on the plate”), Deadly Depths doesn’t disappoint. It’s consistently vivid, with an air of suspense from beginning to end.

Review by Sue Rushford (February 2024)
 

Author's Synopsis

Five adventuring archeologist, self-dubbed The Monkey's Paws are drawn into a quest for a priceless object that originated in the Aztec Kingdom of the fifteenth century, appeared again in the golden age of piracy on the Caribbean, and was finally located in the Jamaican mountain village of the former slaves known as the Maroons. The death of one of the archeologists, called a suicide by the police, involves Michael Shane in the mission to prove that it was murder. The search takes Michael, a former investigator with United States Air Force Intelligence, from the steamy bayous of New Orleans to the backstreets of Montreal and a sunken pirate vessel in the Caribbean.

Format(s) for review: Paper or Kindle

Review Genre: Fiction—Mystery/Thriller/Crime

Number of Pages: 307

Word Count: 87,000

Milspouse Matters: Sharing Strength Through Our Stories by Jen McDonald

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MWSA Review

Milspouse Matters: Sharing Strength through Our Stories by Jen McDonald is a collection of thoughts and nuggets of advice for military spouses with any length of service. But it is so much more. Much of the material would also offer comfort and strength to single parents, widows and widowers, and civilian family members or friends seeking a better understanding of the military. Some of the advice applies to every human being, like this gem on page 117: “There is never a guarantee of another single day. Live each day the best you can and squeeze all the life out of it that you can get. Don’t take your loved ones for granted. Love them.”

McDonald’s sage advice is interspersed with personal anecdotes that allow readers to identify with her, accept their own emotional responses, and normalize their experiences. Often, we isolate ourselves, thinking we are the only ones, and this book negates that thinking, drawing the reader into the community of others who have walked before us on a similar path. McDonald also quotes seasoned spouses, showing the reader that they can also find the strength to deal with life’s vicissitudes.

Although the book is specific to the military experience, the style of writing and the engaging use of humor will appeal to others in many walks of life.

Review by Betsy Beard (March 2024)
 

Author's Synopsis

You knew what you signed up for. These words are often directed at military spouses, yet the true depth of what it will mean to be married to a service member is seldom fully grasped. In Milspouse Matters: Sharing Strength Through Our Stories, readers are immersed in the captivating world of military spouse life, unearthing the challenges and triumphs faced by those who leave behind the familiar to embrace a life of constant change.

Authored by Jen McDonald, this compelling narrative weaves together the experiences of military spouses across generations, illuminating the unbreakable bonds that unite them. With a keen focus on the impact of frequent relocations, deployments, and the nomadic nature of military life, McDonald also celebrates these spouses’ resolute tenacity. Drawing from her personal three-decade journey as a military spouse, alongside stories from contemporary spouses and those from the Korean War and Vietnam conflict eras, Milspouse Matters reveals the remarkable strength within this community.

Whether you’re seeking courage, confidence, or a deeper understanding of the military family experience, these shared stories invite you to discover the unyielding resilience that lies within us all.

Format(s) for review: Paper and Kindle

Review Genre: Nonfiction—Memoir/Biography

Number of Pages: 251

Word Count: 66,153

A Victor's Tale by Doc Westring

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MWSA Review

In A Victor's Tale: The Story of Milo Flaten, One of the GIs who Led the Invasion of Omaha Beach on D-Day, author Doc Westring brings to life the remarkable story of a World War II veteran who witnessed and participated in some of the most pivotal moments of the war. Through Milo Flaten's eyes, readers are transported to the front lines, experiencing the chaos, bravery, and sacrifice that defined the Allied victory in Europe.

Drafted in 1943, Milo Flaten's journey takes him from the shores of Omaha Beach on D-Day to the bitter battles across France and Germany. As the first scout off his landing craft, Flaten's firsthand account of the invasion is both harrowing and awe-inspiring. His story, meticulously preserved by Westring, offers a rare glimpse into the realities faced by the soldiers who fought to liberate Europe from Nazi oppression.

A Victor's Tale is more than just a war story; it is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the bonds forged in the heat of battle. Flaten's experiences, from his grave injury in 1944 to his continued service in Korea, paint a vivid picture of the sacrifices made by the Greatest Generation. As the number of living World War II veterans dwindles, this book serves as an essential record of their heroism and a reminder of the horrors of war.

Westring's engaging narrative style brings Milo Flaten's story to life, ensuring that his legacy and the legacy of countless other brave soldiers will endure for generations to come. A Victor's Tale is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the human experience of World War II and the profound impact it had on those who fought in it.

Review by Elvis Leighton (March 2024)
 

Author's Synopsis

While it's likely most of us have never wanted to go to war and face combat, many of us are nevertheless fascinated by the experiences of men and women who have.

This book is about a man who served as a rifleman in World War II, and was one of the first GIs to land on Omaha Beach on D-Day.A man who survived the landing and continued to fight through France and Germany until the Nazis finally surrendered.

His memories of those experiences have been preserved in a new book by Doc Westring entitled A Victor’s Tale: The Story of Milo Flaten, One of the GIs who Led the Invasion of Omaha Beach on D-Day.

Milo was drafted in June 1943, and after training in the states, was shipped to England, where he was assigned to a company in the 116th Infantry Regiment, 29th Infantry Division. That company would be in the first wave of soldiers invading Normandy. As that company’s 1st scout, Milo was the first man off his landing craft and the first on shore. He eventually realized he might have been the first GI to land on Omaha.

Follow his path as he survived the invasion carnage, and continued to fight through Europe in some of the bitterest, bloodiest battles of World War II. After becoming a highly decorated and respected senior sergeant, he was gravely wounded in November 1944. He recovered completely, rejoined his division, and was in combat until Germany surrendered on May 7, 1945.

With the personal stories of so many World War II veterans now lost forever, we are privileged to have this man’s life available to us. His remarkable exploits are here, from the day he was drafted to the end of the war in Europe, along with his further service in Korea and his fascinating military and non-military life thereafter.

Walk with Milo and experience the insanity and terrible heartbreak that is war—and the relief, if not exuberance, that comes with victory and peace.

Format(s) for review: Paper and Kindle

Review Genre: Nonfiction—Memoir/Biography

Number of Pages: 204

Word Count: 58,097

Phoenix Rising: From the Ashes of Desert One to the Rebirth of U.S. Special Operations by Col. (Ret) Keith M. Nightingale

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MWSA Review

Phoenix Rising is a two-part, behind-the-curtain story on the failed 1981 Desert One Iran hostage rescue attempt and the subsequent years-long effort to build a viable strategic Special Operations capability across the U.S. military.

The author was one of the principal planners of the Iran hostage rescue attempt. The first half of the book consists of his detailed notes and observations of the planning staff’s struggle to assemble, train, and transport a rescue force forged from disparate elements of Army Special Forces and Rangers, as well as Navy, initially, and then Marine helicopter pilots and crews, along with Air Force C-130 operators.

This is a fascinating account of the “heroes and zeros” involved with making this mission possible and those determined not to see it happen. Along with the usual Pentagon politics, dysfunction, and service parochialism, the stubborn adversity of the Central Intelligence Agency and State Department are prominently highlighted and explored. This part of the book is extremely exciting and reads like a documentary-style screenplay like Apollo 13.

The second part of the book takes us through the tireless efforts, including those in Congress, to get a recalcitrant Pentagon and service chiefs to create the seamless, highly capable special operations capability that exists today. This part of the story is extremely detailed, and a bit dry, but unavoidable given the subject.

Individuals interested in special operations will not be disappointed in this book, as well as those interested in the Iran hostage crisis and this phase of the Cold War.

Review by Terry Lloyd (March 2024)
 

Author's Synopsis

“As a junior officer and the lowest ranking 'gopher' at the creation of these forces, I saw how the several Services had great reservations regarding SOF to the point of studied dislike of it and a distinct distaste for its inclusion as a member of their force structure. The single lone exception was Army Chief of Staff Shy Myer, who saw terrorism and asymmetrical warfare as the emerging National threat and worked to build a missing capability. He did this as a lone wolf in that much of the Army leadership as well as the other Services, looked upon SOF as a high-risk loose cannon on their stable conventional deck.”

Phoenix Rising recounts the paradoxical birth of SOF through the prism of Operation Eagle Claw, the failed attempt to rescue fifty-two Americans held hostage in the U.S. Embassy in Tehran. When terrorists captured the Embassy on November 4, 1979, the Joint Chiefs of Staff quickly realized that the United States lacked the military capability to launch a rescue. There was no precedent for the mission, a mission that came with extraordinary restrictions and required a unique force to take it on. With no existent command structure or budget, this force would have to be built from scratch in utmost secrecy, and draw on every branch of the U.S. military.

Keith Nightingale, then a major, was Deputy Operations Officer and the junior member of Joint Task Force Eagle Claw, commanded by Major General James Vaught. Based on Nightingale’s detailed diary, Phoenix Rising vividly describes the personalities involved, the issues they faced, and the actions they took, from the conception of the operation to its hair-raising launch and execution. His historically significant post-analysis of Eagle Claw gives unparalleled insight into how a very dedicated group of people from the Chief of Staff of the Army to lower-ranking personnel subjugated personal ambition to grow the forces necessary to address the emerging terrorist threat—a threat which the majority of uniformed leadership and their political masters denied in 1979. The Special Operations capability of the United States today is the ultimate proof of their success.

Format(s) for review: Paper and Kindle

Review Genre: Nonfiction—History

Number of Pages: 336

Word Count: 90,199

Gone To Texas, Vol 1 by R. C. Morris

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MWSA Review

“Gritty, period-authentic Western” is the apt description of Gone to Texas by R. C. Morris according to his widow, Brenda Morris, who shepherded this book to publication. The novel clearly depicts the rough and lawless world of the frontier in the 1840s and 50s as Jericho McCain searches for his older brother, who left their home in Tennessee earlier. After burying the rest of his family who died from “the fever,” Jericho travels from the Blue Ridge Mountains in Tennessee through Mississippi to Texas where his shooting skills attract one of the Texas Rangers, a group known for its aggressive and fearsome fighting in both taming lawlessness and in fighting the invading Mexicans who want to take back their territory. McCain has the skills, strength, and temperament the Rangers seek. He never gives up despite incredible hardships.

Review by Nancy Kauffman (March 2024)
 

Author's Synopsis

This is a gritty, period-authentic Western for hard-core Western afficionados. An exciting generational saga that spans 85 years, a two-volume series follows the exploits of Jericho D. McCain who, as a young boy in 1845, leaves his home in the Blue Ridge Mountains after burying his entire family--save his older brother Taylor who had left for Texas not knowing his family's fate. Jericho travels alone to find Taylor, having no idea where he might be or if he’ll ever see him again. In Vol One: Gone to Texas, we follow Jericho as he makes his way to Texas and encounters dangerous desperadoes, unusual allies, a first love--and a series of unexpected events that leads him to becoming a Texas Ranger. It’s a history of men called upon to use violence to remedy the acts of violent men. Jericho’s journey to manhood takes place as Texas and Zachary Taylor’s army are fighting the forces of Santa Anna. An elite group of Rangers offer hope of interceding in the violence wrought by evil men.

Format(s) for review: Paper and Kindle

Review Genre: Fiction—Historical Fiction

Number of Pages: 356

Word Count: 96,611

The Drums of War: An Autobiography by William A. Corbett, Editor

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MWSA Review

In The Drums of War, T.C. Corbett takes readers on a poignant journey through the tumultuous landscape of World War I and its aftermath. Edited by his son, William Corbett, this autobiographical narrative offers a rare glimpse into the life of a young pilot, Cy Corbett, as he navigates the exhilarating yet perilous world of early aviation, which had a higher death rate than that of soldiers at the front.

Set against the backdrop of 1918, Corbett delves deep into the heart of his experiences, chronicling his rigorous flight training, filled with adrenaline-fueled flights, forced landings, and a brush with death. Despite the inherent dangers, Corbett finds solace in the thrill of flight, only to have his aspirations abruptly halted by the sudden end of the war before he has a chance to deploy to Europe. The transition to civilian life proves to be a tumultuous one, marked by confusion, loss, and the enduring specter of trauma. The Drums of War serves not only as a chronicle of early military aviation but also an unfiltered glimpse into Cy Corbett's world. His commitment to transparency and honesty underscores the genuine nature of this autobiographical work.

Through sections of prose that sometimes flow like poetry, Corbett captures the essence of his journey, offering readers an intimate portrayal of his innermost thoughts and emotions. His narrative oscillates between moments of exhilaration and despair, providing a nuanced exploration of courage, adversity, and the enduring human spirit.

The Drums of War stands as a testament to the human spirit's resilience in the face of adversity. It is a narrative that weaves together history, aviation, and personal introspection, offering readers a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those who have served.

Review by Elvis Leighton (March 2024)
 

Author's Synopsis

The Great War is replete with stories about war hero pilots who fought overseas. But little has been told of the 11,000 Americans who trained to fly and never made it “over there.” Then, one cadet died for every eighteen pilots who lived to earn their wings.

In The Drums of War, former pilot and newspaperman T.C. “Cy” Corbett relates his experience of a hundred years ago through original flight journals, diaries, and reflections written decades later, assembled and edited by his son, who discovered the writings after his father' s death.

The author's personal journals contain reflections not only about his sixteen forced landings and one bad crash, but about his undiagnosed injuries--both mental and physical--that plagued him throughout his life. Though at the time 'shell shock' was widely recognized, little was known about other deleterious effects of strenuous flight training. It is evident from the author's writings that he most likely suffered from a form of PTSD long before the condition was recognized to exist.

Format(s) for review: Paper and Kindle

Review Genre: Nonfiction—Memoir/Biography

Number of Pages: 246

Word Count: 67,000

Latina Warrior by Colonel Lisa Carrington Firmin, USAF (Ret.)

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MWSA Review

The poems and artwork in Latina Warrior offer a riveting look at life in the military for female service members, especially those traumatized by sexual violence. But the book is not at all despair-laden, with delightfully upbeat praise-poems to mentors and mentees, fellow soldiers, and soul sisters. The book is divided into four main sections with fast-paced, easy to follow poems as the speaker moves through childhood and family life, into the military and combat, then life after the military, then the healing "road to authenticity." The fifth and final section of the book is an unusual and unexpected but fascinating addition: brief reflections by both writer and artist on each art and poem entry.

A word about the art by Christina Helferich-Polosky that accompanies each poem: these are not mere illustrations but deeply responsive visual interpretations of the written words. Many are collages in which the poet's words are superimposed onto photographs or watercolor or acrylic drawings. Each art piece is unique in style and materials. One of my favorites, which partners with a poem about the death of a marriage, is of a skeleton-couple in wedding attire facing away from each other.

Together the poems and art of Latina Warrior create a truly compelling book. The message it offers is important and necessary, a message of hope and healing, particularly for women in the military who have suffered trauma. Thanks to both poet and artist for this truly stunning book!"

Review by Nancy Arbuthnot (April 2024)
 

Author's Synopsis

Latina Warrior is a collection of poems, prose, and art that chronicles the author/poet's journey in a deeply personal, sometimes humorous, intense, and explicit expression. It is in a unique collaborative hybrid format. Latina Warrior is a collaboration with fellow Bronze Star-decorated combat veteran and artist Major Christina Helferich-Polosky, who beautifully illustrated the poems with original art. Both Lisa and Christina provide their insight into each poem and art piece in a section titled Reflections, offering the reader a peek into their powerful collaboration and each of their creative minds.

Lisa's poetry celebrates the joys of her Latina culture, family and life and does not shy away from the intensity of combat, leadership, imposter syndrome, divorce, PTSD or military sexual trauma experiences. Latina Warrior demonstrates the power of using artistic expression to move beyond pain to heal deeply buried wounds. It is an anthem of overcoming barriers to come out stronger, never letting the demons of discrimination, sexual assault, or combat be victorious. Christina created original art for all 50 poems in this collection and her diverse and unique multimedia art brings Lisa's poems to a whole another level of artistic expression. Together, these women combat veterans have created a unique blueprint for others to start and traverse their own healing journeys.

Format(s) for review: Paper Only

Review Genre: Poetry—Poetry Book

Number of Pages: 196

Word Count: 30,862

The Soul Whisperer's Decision by Gwen M. Plano

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MWSA Review

A nurse at a local hospital, Sarah Jameson enjoys a fulfilling life with her husband and two young children. Close to home, she and the children are in a devastating automobile accident. A drunk driver plows into them, killing both children and leaving Sarah near death with severe injuries, including brain trauma.

When Sarah’s heart stopped on the operating table, she saw her children safe and happy in heaven. Somehow, she has the option to decide whether to die and be with them or return to her husband.

Her husband, Jack, is beyond distraught, and the accident triggers his PTSD from his involvement in the war in Afghanistan. Unable to cope and ready to commit suicide, he leaves his wife in the hospital, where she has been in a coma for a few weeks. Without telling anyone, he heads to Spain, meets up with a military friend, and they undertake a pilgrimage—The Camino Santiago—for introspection and healing.

Still in a coma, Sarah is left in the hospital. If she decides to be with her children in heaven, what will happen to Jack? If she returns to be with Jack, what will happen to their marriage?

This novel of faith and spirituality may appeal to many people. It touches on hope, faith, and the unknown. It is a quick and encouraging—a simple, optimistic read.

Review by Patricia Walkow (March 2024)

Author's Synopsis

Sarah Jameson, a nurse at County Central Hospital, survives an accident that kills her two young children. While comatose, she travels into the heavenly realm where she visits with her precious little ones. She is given a choice – return to her husband, Jack, or remain with her children in their celestial home.

Jack was not in the fated automobile. Though he heard the crash and ran to help, there was nothing he could do. He suffers the loss of his children, fears the potential demise of his wife, and wonders about his sanity. His struggle with PTSD from his military years has returned and at times, he cannot distinguish between the present and the past.

An accident tragically changed the lives of this young family, but out of sorrow emerges unexpected blessings. Love conquers all.

Format(s) for review: Paper and Kindle

Review Genre: Fiction—Literary Fiction

Number of Pages: 149

Word Count: 35,000

Death in the Triangle by John Podlaski

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MWSA Review

Death in the Triangle: A Vietnam Story by John Podlaski is a novella that tells the account of a significant mission for First Platoon. Although listed as fiction, the story has the ring of reality, with the sights, sounds, smells, and emotions of combat. After a night of assignments on listening post duty and ambush duty, the platoon rolls out on a short mission to view the effects of the previous night’s ambush and destruction of an ammo dump. Unfortunately, the colonel overrides the mission (which should have ended around noon) and insists the platoon go further and do more. And that’s when all hell breaks loose. Action is nonstop, and death hovers in the air. In three short days, much is accomplished and the platoon finally gets a well deserved rest.

Readers are advised to read the first novella in the series (When Can I Stop Running?) before this book, so that the characters are already known, and the mission makes more sense. Readers will also need to navigate some misspellings as well as quite a few punctuation errors.

Review by Betsy Beard (March 2024)
 

Author's Synopsis

DEATH IN THE TRIANGLE is a sequel to When Can I Stop Running? That was one hell of a night!

Only a couple of hours passed since returning to the firebase. Now, the sleep-deprived and weary First Platoon soldiers must go back out on another patrol. Last night, an enemy mortar team fired several rounds into the base and was soon silenced by return artillery fire. The Third Squad also ambushed a group of enemy soldiers leaving nine dead bodies on the trail before moving out to a new location. A thorough search of both areas may locate items overlooked in the dark. It was thought to be an easy patrol – two clicks out and two clicks back, so the brass expected their return before lunch. At least, that was the plan.

Many patrols during the Vietnam War did not quite go as planned and this was one of them. These soldiers soon found themselves in dire straits to satisfy their battalion commander’s thirst for body counts and fame. Will they all survive?

Sixpack, Polack, LG, and the bunch are back in this new installment from the award-winning author of Cherries: A Vietnam War Novel.

Format(s) for review: Paper and Kindle

Review Genre: Fiction—Historical Fiction

Number of Pages: 145

Word Count: 31,000

My Vietnam: A Gift to My Daughter by Jack Billups

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MWSA Review

My Vietnam: A Gift to My Daughter is an interesting memoir written by Jack Billups. From the beginning of his incredible story, I felt like Mr. Billups was sitting across the table from me as we had coffee and cookies. His narration reminded me of my neighbor, a humble man who served in Vietnam and became a quiet highly decorated hero. The two men have that in common.

The request of Jack’s daughter Naomi for her father to write his story of his time in Vietnam touched my heart. Her question set into motion a journey 50 years into the past as a "grunt" in the steamy jungles of Vietnam. After contacting several of the men with whom he served, Jack had compiled an accurate timeline and accounting of his time “in country.”

Four months later, with Jack’s memoir completed, Naomi asked another question. "Hey Dad, let's go to Vietnam, just you and me?" Could the ghosts of his Vietnam past morph into a father and daughter blessing in the present?

My Vietnam: A Gift to My Daughter is a heartwarming, compelling memoir that reconciles America and Vietnam, then and now, including the culture shock of seeing Vietnam as it exists today.”

Review by Nancy Panko (March 2024)
 

Author's Synopsis

"Hey Dad, instead of a gift, would you share your Vietnam experiences with me?" My daughter's request set into motion a journey 50 years into the past as a "grunt" in the steamy jungles of Vietnam.

Four months later with my memoir completed, Naomi called to say, "Dad, this was the best gift I've ever received, I liked it so much, I read it a second time!" Then another question, "Hey Dad, let's go back to Vietnam, just you and me?" Could the ghosts of Vietnam's past morph into a father and daughter blessing in the present?

This journey will put the reader into the boots of a grunt with vivid detail. Surrounding Jack's tour in Vietnam are the experiences and events that defined that unique period in American history.

Then, the eye-opening revelation of present day Vietnam as Jack and Naomi return to the places where her father fought and survived near the Ho Chi Minh trail.

Format(s) for review: Paper and Kindle

Review Genre: Nonfiction—Memoir/Biography

Number of Pages: 472

Word Count: 94,341