Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite

The Policewoman by Justin W.M. Roberts is a military fiction story set in the year 2026. Sarah is a policewoman with a lot of ambition. She works for Densus-88, an anti-terrorist unit, set up to fight the narco-terrorism sweeping the world. The Irish Drug Cartel is incredibly powerful; they have extended their manufacturing plants to Indonesia, Ireland, and Scotland, and are not afraid to kill whoever stands in their way. Sarah is assigned a new task; together with the Interpol Incident Response Team, she must find the members of the Cartel and shut them down. Working closely with the SAS, the beautiful and smart policewoman has to learn Close Quarters Battle Tactics and learn how to use them in the field. All is going well until things start to get personal for Sarah. Now she not only has to help find the Cartel, she also has to protect her family and friends, and even herself as the battle to win heats up.

The Policewoman by Justin W.M. Roberts is an incredibly powerful novel. Although it is set in the not too distant future, it does reflect very much on things that are happening in the world right now and, perhaps scarily, is something that could very well become a reality for all of us. The plot line was excellent; it was solid, strong and had some very surprising, if not terrifying, twists in it along the way. The characters, especially the main protagonist, are incredibly well developed, written to fit the story exactly and there is nothing left to the imagination. This ensures any reader will know exactly who they are reading about and this leads to a deeper understanding of the story. Fantastic fast-paced story, this would make an excellent movie! Looking forward to reading more from Mr. Roberts in the future

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

Once in a Blue Year is a contemporary fiction novel written by Michael D. Durkota. Dan has been honorably discharged from the Navy and has mixed feelings about the whole thing. He's thrilled to be off the submarine. Each deployment got harder and harder for him to take. It was the feeling of being enclosed with no means of escaping that made it so hard, bearable only by escaping into dreams of open woodlands and the outdoors. So his fall down a flight of stairs was a blessing in that it got him an immediate ride on a ferry boat home, but the sum they settled upon him for the permanent damage to his spine was not going to last an entire year. For now, he would be staying on in Groton, Connecticut, with his best friend, Nathan, his wife, Heather, and their infant son, James. Things change quickly, however, and unbeknownst to Dan, Nathan appears to have arranged a way for him to go on this deployment in lieu of Dan's roommate, Trevor. Trevor is shattered by the news that he's been kept onshore. He loves the submarine, the sounds, the rolling and pitching of the boat through the stormy seas and the whole submariner experience. He's infinitely more uncomfortable with the thought of his girlfriend, Tara, who is waiting for him to stop by her apartment.

Michael D. Durkota's contemporary fiction novel, Once in a Blue Year, addresses life in the military and afterwards in a poignant and compelling way. I was quickly involved in the lives of Dan, Nathan and Trevor, as well as their fellow sailor, Jags, whose attempts at getting discharged are comical and tragic all at once. The real hero of the story for me, however, was Dan, and his story works so well as a coming of age tale. When we first meet him, he's stunned by the change from sailor to civilian and seems to be clinging to the former by staying with Nathan and Heather, and remaining in the Groton area. The advice his friend at the photography store gives him to walk away from it all falls on ears that can't quite comprehend the words that are being spoken. Durkota's plot is inspired, and his writing is accomplished and vivid. I can still see so clearly those scenes set inside the submarine. Once in a Blue Year is most highly recommended.

Reviewed by Trudi LoPreto for Readers' Favorite

Blind Faith: The Gauntlet Runner Book VI was a wonderful reunion with my old friends; Jacob, James, Joshua, One Ear, and Maggie. Once again, I found myself pulled right into the story and I became a soldier, a father, a friend, and a mother. Jacob and his Rangers are heading north towards Quebec as the British are successfully winning the battles and taking over the towns and forts. The journey they have to endure is hard and long as they face a freezing cold winter and clashes with the enemy, as well as a group of deserters, headed by Captain Simpson. Simpson and his gang have become turncoats, fighting and killing anyone they can, but especially trying to harm Jacob and his family at every turn. Maggie has made her way to Quebec City with the help of three brothers and is now much closer to finding Israel, her missing son, while living in the home of a generous French fur trader, Monsieur Coulet. Jacob and Maggie are so close to each other as both are in Quebec, yet still remain far apart. There is so much action and history in this book that you must read each riveting page yourself to appreciate the greatness of Blind Faith.

I cheered when each battle was won; I cried tears of joy when another of Maggie and Jacob’s children was found, I held my breath as each battle was fought, and hoped Jacob and Maggie would find each other as they got closer together and yet were still far apart. I hated getting to the last page and having to say 'goodbye, see you soon' to my friends again. Blind Faith is truly a spectacular fictional historical book, as were each of the stories in the Gauntlet Runner series, and I cannot wait for Book VII. S. Thomas Bailey is number one on my list of favorite authors and I am sure he will become yours too. He writes with heart and an accuracy that is hard to match. I loved every page of this book. I cannot say enough to encourage you to read this outstanding book. It is a sure fire winner.

Reviewed by Brenda Casto for Readers' Favorite

If I had to describe Heights of Hell by S. Thomas Bailey in just one word I would use epic. The writing makes me feel as if I have actually stepped back into the mid 1700s, dropped right into the midst of a war where the enemy is just around the corner. Indians and frontiersmen fighting alongside the French and English armies. Sometimes the enemy is someone whom you thought was your ally, and mercy is sometimes given from the enemy!

It seems that fate continues to keep separating Jacob Murray and his wife Maggie. His only solace is that he has his son James, along with his faithful companions, One Ear and Joshua, with him as he continues to lead his troops, even though he longs to find Maggie and the rest of his children. When someone threatens his son, he will do anything to keep him safe, even if it means jeopardizing his own safety. Meanwhile, Maggie has her own set of problems. She was staying at One Ear's village when it was attacked, separating her from her baby son, Israel. She will do anything to find him, but is it enough? One thing's for certain - Maggie and Jacob long to be reunited and take their family home to Pennsylvania, but as long as the battle continues it seems that reunion may be an unattainable dream.

S. Thomas Bailey creates an easily readable story with Heights of Hell and his entire Gauntlet Runner series. The story seems so real that I sometimes forget that Mr. Bailey didn't actually live the story himself. His portrayal of the characters, along with the richly painted details of the setting, makes me feel as if I am watching the events unfold through the eyes of Jacob and Maggie. It is truly like stepping back in time to watch history in the making. Survival is something that no one is assured of, and harsh decisions are often made to ensure survival. The emotions of the characters are tangible, from the drama and desperation that Jacob felt as he wanted to protect James, to Maggie's drive to find her young son. The feelings are real, the characters so lifelike that it's hard to come back to reality and leave the characters when the book finally ends. While the story provides many heart pounding twists where I wondered how anyone would survive, there were also plenty of heart wrenching moments woven in as well.

I have been fortunate enough to read The Gauntlet Runner Series in its entirety, and I must say that S. Thomas Bailey is a master storyteller who knows how to bring history to life within the pages of this series. Before embarking on the journey of Maggie and Jacob, I have to admit I really knew very little about the time period because I always perceived it to be a dry, boring subject. Mr. Bailey has opened my eyes to the richness of the era and allowed me to learn so many things about this vital period in our country's history. Thank you, Mr. Bailey. I can't wait to read the next book in The Gauntlet Runner Series!

Reviewed by Michelle Stanley for Readers' Favorite

The Final Salute is a military fiction by Kathleen Rodgers. Colonel Tuck Westerfield, a fighter pilot at Beauregard Air Force base who flew in the Gulf war, mourns the death of his friend and colleague. His unhappiness rises after catching his Commanding Officer cheating with another officer, as his boss constantly threatens him. Gina, Tuck’s wife, worries about his moodiness, which the neighbour’s dog provokes; and Michelle, her rebellious, gothic-attired stepdaughter who visits. Tuck travels down Memory Lane, reliving his childhood while remembering his friends and colleagues who died courageously, and wonders why life deals such blows. He is assigned to the Middle East after Iraq invades Kuwait and his experiences there make him more determined to consider adjustments to his life if he survives.

Kathleen Rodgers has created an engrossing military fiction appropriately called The Final Salute. She gives a very realistic account of what life is like in the air force, both from those who serve and from their family members’ point of view. It is an intriguing story that has so many emotions as the diverse characters express their joys, fears, pains and sadness in different ways. The author also demonstrated quite nicely how a few military careers may be tarnished and how some scandals or other conflicts are quickly covered up. The Final Salute is a book I did not want to put down, and I think Kathleen Rodgers writes descriptively and with compassion. She shows readers another side of military life in an original and interesting format.

Reviewed by Tracy Slowiak for Readers' Favorite

Wow. Just wow! How’s that for a review? Well, that’s what I’ve got for the fantastic new novella by author Tamara Ferguson, Two Hearts Surrendered. Follow the story of Air Force pilot Luke Bryant and the lovely Kelly Callahan. Their meeting was certainly eventful as Luke, as a 13-year-old, saved 6-year-old Kelly’s life after she almost drowned. Now, fourteen years later, Luke is at home and meets Kelly again, this time finding a beautiful 20-year-old young woman. Instantly drawn to each other, they have only a few hours together before Luke has to return to duty. And later, when Luke returns from Iraq, seriously wounded, Kelly’s faith isn’t shaken; she’s sure they are still meant to be together. Luke can’t get over his thoughts that Kelly would be better off without him, and tries to turn her away, but Kelly won’t give up on him. Their journey is certainly not an easy one, but will it end up in the love they both truly want? You’ll need to read the book to find out!

I so enjoyed Two Hearts Surrendered. Author Tamara Ferguson has done an absolutely wonderful job in creating characters that her readers will relate to, care about and continue to think of long after the novella is done, and if that isn’t the hallmark of a great author, I don’t know what is. Any reader who enjoys a fantastic love story should absolutely read Two Hearts Surrendered. I highly recommend this novella, and am very much looking forward to reading more from author Tamara Ferguson as soon as possible!

Reviewed by Sefina Hawke for Readers' Favorite

Hold Back The Sun (US Asiatic Fleet vs. Japan) by Warren Bell is a military fiction novel that takes place in 1942. This book will appeal most to an audience made up primarily of adults who enjoy military fiction, though some of the more mature young adults who enjoy military fiction would also find it enjoyable. Hold Back The Sun follows Frank Rhea, Jack Sewell, and Captain Garret Laterveer, as well as the women that steal their hearts, Dr. Cinta van Wely, Pamela Mallory, and Catherine van Zweden. Hold Back The Sun follows these brave men and women during the war as their own action impacts on the course of the novel.

Hold Back The Sun by Warren Bell was an intriguing read for me as it followed so many different main characters, three men and three women. I really liked the fact that the author gave the women real personalities that made them strong and did not just label them as secondary characters. The writing style Warren Bell used in Hold Back The Sun was perfect for this military fiction novel. I found that it truly pulled me into not only the plot line, but also the characters as I began to feel for them as people. I really hope that Warren Bell continues to write military fiction!

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

Two Hearts Unspoken is a contemporary military romance written by Tamara Ferguson. Beth didn’t know quite what to say when Jim finally proposed to her. Ever since Diamont Motors, her employer, announced that they’d be shutting down the Bloomington, Illinois plant, she had begun planning on a move to Crystal Rock, Wisconsin. She had family there and had even purchased a 4-storey Victorian on the lake. Leaving had seemed the easiest way to end things with Jim. He had never really warmed to Kyle, her twenty-year-old autistic son, and his plans for their married life didn’t include Kyle at all. Beth was excited about the vocational program Kyle would be participating in at Crystal Visions, and she couldn’t wait to finally see the house her cousin Cal had purchased on her behalf. When she and Kyle finally made the drive to their new hometown, they were a bit early for their appointment with Cal, so she took Kyle for a walk on Dragonfly Pointe Beach. She loved the beach and remembered the endless summers she had spent there. She was relieved to find that Kyle was relaxed and having a grand time as well, that is, until she realized he had tackled a man who had been walking his dog along the lake. When she ran up to see if he was okay, Beth was stunned by the effect the man, who introduced himself as Zach, was having on her. For his part, he was feeling just about the same.

Tamara Ferguson’s contemporary military romance novella, Two Hearts Unspoken, is a moving and beautifully written story about a romance between a wounded veteran and the mother of an autistic son, who have both moved to Crystal Rock for healing and a fresh start. I enjoyed seeing how the two of them felt that instant attraction despite the misgivings and insecurities each of them had, and loved seeing how their relationship grew. While this novella is categorized as a romance, it deals with two important and serious issues, namely the rehabilitation of veterans who bear both physical and mental scars from their tours of duty, and the lack of sufficient vocational opportunities for young people with autism, who all too often are shunted away into institutions instead of being surrounded by family. Two Hearts Unspoken is well-plotted and fits marvelously within the author's Two Hearts Wounded Warrior Romance Series. I had a grand time reading Two Hearts Unspoken and most highly recommend it.

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

Pachyderms is a military fiction novel written by Danny Buoy. Dan Coobat received a military deferment for college in the early 1960s, and when he matriculated with a degree in English, he enlisted. With his academic background, he was assured a position in communications, but was actually assigned to Advanced Infantry Training School. After that, he ended up at Fort Benning, working with Specialist 5th Class Carl Copelet in Flight Operations. Dan hadn't considered Vietnam as a likely destination when he signed up, but the 312th Battalion would be deployed there about six months after he became Copelet's trainee. Dan and Copelet helped set up the Battalion's new home in Bear Cat, a barren space surrounded by jungle, with a most incongruous yellow mobile home announcing the presence of the Fifth's Commanding General Bosebaugh.

Danny Buoy's historical military novel, Pachyderms, is an enthralling and engrossing coming of age story set in Vietnam in the late 1960s. Dan and Cope are marvelous characters, and their initially tense relationship blossoms into a strong and enduring friendship that makes this novel quite special. Buoy brings the sights, sounds and smells of war-era Vietnam to life as we experience the country through Dan's eyes. Cope and his brother, who's also in the country, are the wheelers and dealers who arrange trades for consumer goods like air conditioners and freezers, and the author's mention of Radar O'Reilly from MASH made me smile. Pachyderms is a different type of Vietnam story from the others I've read. It reads like a memoir, and I had to remind myself on several occasions that Dan, Cope and the other servicemen I had come to care about were fictional characters. Pachyderms is most highly recommended.

Reviewed by Trudi LoPreto for Readers' Favorite

Wait for Me by Janet K. Shawgo is fiction, but a wonderful historical tribute to the women who served in World War II. It is also a romantic story following Susan, Larry, Dealer and Frank and their families through the horror of war and the excitement of the love they find. Connections are made, family history is shared and relationships are made that will last a lifetime. Susan follows in her Great-Aunt Sarah’s footsteps by becoming a nurse and signing up to help the wounded. Larry, emulating his Great-Uncle Samuel, is a reporter enjoying his life in Honolulu until the awful day he witnesses the attack on Pearl Harbor. He immediately knows he must go overseas to accurately report the war stories. Frank is Susan’s brother and a pilot in dangerous missions over enemy territory. Deelyn, whom everyone calls Dealer, is an expert pilot and responsible for handling top level assignments. Each has a special story to tell and each will become a special person that you want to meet and be friends with.

Janet K. Shawgo has done a perfect job of bringing the role women played and the hardships they endured to our attention. Wait for Me is a story of WWII told with emotion, feeling and understanding. I found myself being carried along and feeling their pain, their joy, happiness, and their grief and losses, as if I was right there on the battlefield with them. Each character became my friend and someone I greatly admired and felt proud to know. This is the second book. I did not read the first but it made no difference in the enjoyment level. Wait for Me is history, but more than that, Janet Shawgo made it personal. If you had any doubt before as to how important a role women played in the war, it will be gone after reading Wait for Me. I believe Wait for Me has all the makings of a top seller and would love to see it made into a major movie. Do not miss Wait for Me.