Actual Rating: 4.5

After reading Vicktor's story, I was excited to continue on with this series. I quickly picked up the sequel, but admit I wasn't convinced I'd enjoy Roman's story quite as much as Victor's. Not anything against Roman, I loved his role in In Sheep's Clothing as Victor's friend, and as a Christian who tried to do the right thing and was always there to support his friends along with David (Preach)'s help when issues arose that needed prayer or advice. He struck me as the fun more carefree one of the group, well if there is such a thing in a group of Russian FSB (formally KGB) members and American soldiers. But, still.... He's the one with the jokes and always trying to make light of a dark situation when his friend need the hope and a loyal companion.

That said, his story, and character, are drastically different from Vicktor's. Whereas Vita is the 'tall, dark, and handsome, Russian cop, take no prisoners type tough-guy who things women are either cursed or all crazy, and is hard set on revenge to atone for past sins, with or without the help of his Believing friends. Roman is different. Coming from a very different background, Roman is just trying to prove himself worth and good enough as a man of God, trying desperately to avoid his father's failures, while struggling to find his place in God's will in the harsh Siberian reality.

Much to my surprise, I ended up loving this one! More so even than book 1, which blew me away and snuck up on my toward the end! I loved seeing Roman and Sarai's story unfold, but also loved how the truths they discovered, about themselves, each other, and God's will were relevant in my life today, and how they even had the chance to display their newfound knowledge before the story ended, which was a satisfying addition to the story.

I also must mention Genye and Anya! I enjoyed meeting them early on in the book, and loved their role more as the story plays out. They serve several purposes, missionaries, mentors, friends, and a sort of adopted/found family for Sarai for a time along with others. I loved their wisdom and guidance, from Genye's silent knowing and protective kindness, to Anya's talk in the kitchen and her guidance as a medical missionary alongside Sarai.

I also loved seeing the duel POV as Roman and Sarai's relationship grows and develops. I always love duel POV for romances and similar stories, but this one was extra important and enjoyable amidst all the twists and surprises, sometimes even the character themselves made a new discovery of self realization that changes things in how they react to each other in the future, and I loved seeing that progression, and the thought processes that lead to those new turns!

Actual Rating: 4.5

Quick Thoughts: How have I never heard or seen this series anywhere? 2005!!! God works in mysterious and wonderous ways indeed! Right when I needed it, and the reminder, and when my heart has been crying out for the persecuted Church, especially in Russia!

Global Search and Rescue book # 2

This sequel to “Way of the Brave” continues the story of Jake Silver, a former Navy Seal working for a global search and rescue organisation, and Aria Sinclair, a surgeon who takes care of children with heart conditions. Jake had rescued her on Mount Denali in book #1. In this second edition, Aria heads to Florida to speak at a medical conference when a misdirected text is received by Jake. He immediately assumes Aria is in trouble and needs rescuing…He heads to Florida even if Hurricane Lucy is raging…..and the fun begins….or the nightmare….

In a background of a devastation scenario, this soft romance story is packed with emotions and deep feelings. Jack is a broken hero that carries a lot of baggage but he has a heart of gold. Aria is so prone to natural disaster and again has taken immense risks…. how many problems these two can get into…you wouldn’t believe it. Pages after pages of trouble….and we are deed into a drama filled with twists hard to imagine. One would say this story is a mixture of faith, suspense and action, maybe a buddy romance….

“The Heart of a Hero” does not let the two protagonists take a break, one problem after the other crosses their paths. These two are so well- defined they simply grab your heart and you soon forget they simply characters. Jake and Aria are not the only ones playing a particular role, Jake’s Navy body Ham and wife Signe have an interesting second chapter in their lives recounted, hopefully we will learn more in the future. Too many open questions not to be resolved…..We have other captivating characters that helped propel the story forward and added a human side to this gripping story.

This story is clean, no sex and no bad language and also has religion connotations. If you don’t mind reading a Christian adventure story you will enjoy this book. It left me with mixed feelings…..but curious for book #3

I received a copy from the Publisher Revell via First Reviewer Program for my thoughts

What an adventure to go on. Susan does it wonderfully with this new book in her new series. The storyline is mostly about two of the six characters. But you get more of an adventure with them all. What is Ham's real reason for coming to Alaska? We see that Orion is the main one along with Jenny.

 

They all seem to have worked together. Orion seems stuck with his past and why? He got friends and Ham and Jake seem content to help him. Ham seems to know that God as a plan for Orion still. Will Orion realize that. Jenny seems to have a secret that she is holding on to. She decides to take it to the highest mountain in America.

 

Susan put readers though emotional and breathtaking adventures. There is non stop action from the moment we open the book after starting. What a climb and adventure we go on. Jake and Aria seem to find a connection. Is it real? Will Orion let go of this past to be with Jenny? Will Jenny let go and allow romance to take hold?

 

Will they be stuck on the mountain or will they survive? The mountain seems to be calling Orion and Han and Jake, Will they save the woman and get them all the mountain?

Global Search and Rescue #1

Set in the cold and brutal Alaska this odyssey brings a group of ice climbers to Mount Denali, North American highest mountain. Extreme challenge is their way of escape and nature provides the toughest of grounds to satisfy them. Even with all the skills and experience the climbers will need rescuing. The adventure brings together former pararescue jumper Orion Starr and former CIA profiler Jenny Calhoun, the two main characters, to face their demons….

I have mixed feeling about this book. Some parts I loved and others not so much.

Before springing into action and all through its narrative, “The Way of the Brave” bombards us with intricate climbing techniques and the tools needed for a safe excursion. I am not familiar with the sport so the constant jargon became a slight irritant, although in many ways, it is nice to learn something new. Once the adventure gets its needed fuel, the action starts to be much more interesting and seeing the characters belaying and rappelling and falling into crevasses is exciting. Being trap with only hope on their side, the climbers turn to god and we have a good share of praying. I guess most of us would do so if we were stuck between ice walls. To some the Christian content may be frustrating maybe even annoying but I find the author let her characters speak freely with all the emotions the situation imposed on them. This is well-done.

Jenny and Orion are the main characters; we also find secondary ones scaling the mountain alongside them. Ham, Jake, Sasha and Aria play chilling roles in this survival adventure. Of course we have the needed romance but this is subdued, definitely not graphic.

“The Way of the Brave” is a heart pounding novel that sets up a good series.

I received a copy from the Publisher Revell via First Reviewer Program for my thoughts