Stars and Stripes for Freedom by Delores Topliff, Jennie Atkins, Elaine E. Withers, Shirley Gould, and Cindi Bonds is this week’s Reader Friday. I love the cover! It’s a novella collection, and here’s the first line of Remember the Alamo by Delores Topliff: Sick of the sight and smell of her buddy’s blood seeping into desert sand, US Army MP “Kacey” Collins gladly left Afghanistan forever.
But first the verse and photo. I thought a flag would be appropriate for this week’s post since I’m reviewing Stars and Stripes for Freedom. I took the photo at the sprawling Cemetery in Natchez, Mississippi, when I was researching the area for my Natchez Trace Park Rangers series. That is a beautiful, old cemetery that I spent hours in. And I thought the verse was one we need to hear often. It tells us how to please God.
Now for Stars and Stripes for Freedom, a novella collection, with the authors and a blurb from each author.
Here’s the cover and back copy:
Stars and Stripes for Freedom, a novella collection
Five women. Five branches of the military.
One flag they are eager to protect and defend at all costs.
With admiration for the women in our military, these high-action stories present five intelligent, seasoned warriors who risk everything to protect the land of the free and the home of the brave.
Remember the Alamo by Delores Topliff: “Kacey” Collins emancipated herself from foster care by adopting the Army as her career and family. She advances and thrives until the failed evacuation at Hamid Karzai, Afghanistan causes major PTSD. Now, to save others and herself, she must move outside of laws to survive and redefine who she is and where she belongs.
Show No Fear by Jennie Atkins:
Ex-Marine K-9 trainer Kit Evans returns to her hometown to investigate her father’s death. Aided by her loyal dog, she uncovers a vast conspiracy of murder, greed, and human trafficking that implicates the men her father once called brothers. To expose the truth, Kit must become a decoy in their deadly game.
Lifted Into Grace by Ellen E Withers:
When boat propeller blades nearly claimed the life of Chris Matthews, Hannah Grant and her crew with the U.S. Coast Guard carried him, by helicopter, to receive medical help. Hannah and her husband, Logan, work to bring light into Chris’s world. Together, do they have the skills to rescue an injured teenager’s body and spirit, lifting him into a life of Grace?
Anchors Aweigh by Shirley Gould:
Eva Lyons’ friend, Kat, was kidnapped by human traffickers. Leaving the Navy, Eva joins NCIS, to search for her friend. Agent Levi Hunter needs the research Eva has spent months compiling to catch the trafficker. Concerned about Levi’s motives Eva learns she must trust him to rescue Kat before she vanishes forever.
Fight or Flight by Cindy Bonds:
Libby McHale is surprised by a security breach at the Smokey Mountain Park where she works. Although retired from the Air Force, national security means she’s one of the few people cleared for the rescue. As she meets up with Airman Seth James, they fly into danger. But the crash is just the beginning.
My Take:
I thoroughly enjoyed each story in the collection. The stories are fast-paced and page-turners! I read a couple of hours each night, and I read these stories in two nights–that’s how good they were. I
love the concept of this novella–a book about women in the services, and there’s a story for all five branches. The heroines were gutsy, yet totally believable. In each story, I quickly rooted for the heroine and wanted to see her succeed in getting the bad guys. This is a collection that readers of romantic suspense will love.
Right now Stars and Stripes for Freedom is on sale on Amazon, but the sale will only last until August 2, so grab your copy now. Buy it here.
For the next few weeks, I’m featuring one of my earlier books. This week it’s A Promise to Protect. This is the 2nd book in the Logan Point Series. I featured Shadows of the Past, the first book here, down near the bottom of the page. Shadows of the Past has 8,648 4.2-star (out of 5) reviews.
In a
steamy small town riddled with broken promises, one woman’s secret could change everything. Acting Sheriff Ben Logan hasn’t heard from Leigh Somerall in a very long time, but it doesn’t mean he can get her–or their whirlwind romance of ten years ago–out of his head.
When she calls out of the blue, it is with a strange request to protect her brother, Tony. But all too soon, Ben is charged with a different task–protecting Leigh from the people after her brother. With Leigh doing everything in her power to avoid Ben, it’s no easy task. And the secret she is keeping just may change their lives forever.
“A taut story of mistakes and betrayal, a mother’s fierce love, revenge and danger–and the redeeming wonders of faith and love.”–Lorena McCourtney, author of the Cate Kinkaid Files and the Ivy Malone
Mysteries “Old secrets, second chances at love, and a skillfully crafted small-town suspense. You will fall in love with Ben and Leigh and cheer them on as they fight for their happy ending. I’m making room on my shelf for all of Patricia Bradley’s novels!”–Susan May Warren, bestselling and award-winning author of When I Fall in Love A
Now here’s today’s song. I hope you enjoy!
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Comments 31
Wow, that photo really grabbed me. Good choice of the verse to go with it.
The anthology looks really good. Thanks for reviewing it. Very good rendition of The Battle Hymn of the Republic, too.
I’m currently reading an anthology, too. It’s called “Zero Hour”, part of the Honor Bound Hearts series. This one features three novellas with authors Cara Putman, Lily Hann, and Sami Abrams. The first line of Cara’s, called “Breaking Protocol”, is “What should have been a quick stop for dinner after a long day at work shifted with two words: “Hey Mister.”
Author
I’m glad you enjoyed the post, Tim! Breaking Protocol sounds really good. I think I have that one on my TBR list.
Thank you for sharing this beautifully. You’ve taught me a lot on my writing journey, and I’m grateful. I want to be like you when I grow up 🙂
Author
🙂 No, I want to be like you when I grow up. I love the book! All the stories are so intriguing.
I just purchased this book and look forward to reading it. I am very proud of our vets and usually spend my holidays with my brother (who is a Viet Nam vet) at a veterans’ association. We love sharing our time with them.
Author
I think you’ll really enjoy the stories, Sharon!
Thank you for featuring our novella collection! My novella is based on a real Coast Guard rescue. I was a military wife and mother, so the dedication of our women and men in the five branches of service means a lot to me and my family.
Author
I love the stories, Ellen! Maybe y’all are going to write another collection?
This book sounds like a good one to read. Loved the photo and verse!
Author
Thanks, Judy–I’m glad you enjoyed the post. And Stars and Stripes for Freedom is one I think you would enjoy!
All five novellas sound terrific, especially Lifted into Grace.
Author
They are all good, Priscilla. They kept me up reading past my bedtime. 🙂
Gosh, this has been a powerful and patriotic post. Wow! Loved the video and song. Very emotional.
Stars and Stripes Forever sounds amazing. Can’t wait to read this. Perfect scripture to go with it, Pat!
Promise to Protect is a good one. I’ve read it twice, BUT I always forget what books are about, so time to do a reread of the series! Yay!
“If he wanted to topple an empire, then he needed to shake up the game.” This is the first line from Mist on the Waters by Stephenia McGee.
Author
I love Stephenia’s books, Barbara! I have several on my TBR list and have read many of them. Such a sweet person.
Oops, sorry, Delores and ladies, I wrote the wrong title. It should be Stars and Stripes for Freedom
Author
It’s easy to do that, Barbara…I had to change the title of the blog. lol
Stars and Stripes for Freedom sounds amazing.
I’m reading Concrete Evidence – DiAnn Mills.
Enjoy your weekend.
Author
I loved Concrete Evidence, Caryl!
What a stunning photo, Pat! It definitely fits with The Stars and Stripes for Freedom, which sounds like a great read. Inspiring verse, and a wonderful version of Battle Hymn of the Republic.
I have read – and enjoyed – the entire Logan Point series.
I am reading In Too Deep by Susan May Warren and Tari Farris
Author
Thanks, Mary G…I’m glad you enjoyed the post! And Susan May Warren is the best. She’s one reason I’m published.
I will definitely check out The Stars and Stripes for Freedom. Sounds good.
November 1, 1920
Dublin, Ireland
If I’d thought the sight of Dublin Castle was alarming on my previous visits, I discovered that entering it as a prisoner was infinitely more terrifying.
The Bravest Hour by Anna Lee Huber
Author
What a great opening, Gloria!
I’ve always considered myself patriotic. I get tears in my eyes every time I hear the Star Spangled Banner. My father in law served in the Navy during WWII. He piloted troops to Omaha Beach on DDay.
I’m reading another wonderful book by Mary Connealy, Petticoats and Cowboys book 6, Wildflower Bride. I highly recommend The Husband Tree, the book right before this one. And I also just finished When the Silence Breaks by Elizabeth Goddard, one of the best suspense books I’ve ever read!
Author
I can’t wait to get Elizabeth’s book, Gail!
Love the picture, verse, and song.
I’m still working on the first read of Robin Patchen’s Shadowing You.
Author
So glad you enjoyed the post, Edward! I’ll look forward to reading Robin’s book…
love the song and book sounds interesting!
I love photos of flags waving, especially with the way the sun is shining on it. I appreciate your photos and verses.
Author
I’m glad you enjoyed the post, Carolyn!
Love the Stars and Stripes post and I took you up on the Shadows of the Past deal. My TBR grows!!
Author
Great! Thank you, Sally Jo!