Sarah Sundin's Blog, page 471

Book Beat - Proof by Jordyn Redwood

Health care professionals often wince at medical inaccuracies in novels, but I knew I wouldn't have that problem with Jordyn Redwood's debut novel, Proof . I became acquainted with Jordyn when she started Redwood's Medical Edge, a blog devoted to helping fiction writers get medical facts straight for their stories. Her seventeen years' experience in critical care and ER nursing, and her careful eye for detail shine on her blog - and in this novel.

I jumped at the chance to read Proof for endorsement. I expected it to be good - but it exceeded my expectations.

In Proof, ER physician Dr. Lilly Reeves and detective Nathan Long deal with the victims of a serial rapist. Despite overwhelming physical proof pointing to one suspect, DNA evidence clears him. But Lilly knows without a doubt that the man is guilty and goes on a dangerous quest to prove it.

A rollercoaster of a story. Jordyn Redwood’s Proofhas everything you could want in a thriller—believable characters, a villain who makes your skin crawl, a touch of humor, and a twisting plot—all bound by fascinating medical and scientific details. What a fabulous debut![image error]

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—July 5, 1942: Margot Frank (Anne’s sister) summoned to Nazi work camp. Germans reach River Don near Voronezh in drive for Caucasus oil fields.

Happy Independence Day - Look Back for Inspiration

[image error] Happy Independence Day! This poster seemed appropriate with its Revolutionary War theme.

In 1943, the United States and the rest of the world, faced its greatest threat. Germany, Japan, and Italy with the other Axis powers, had conquered vast areas of the globe. The Allies were beginning to make progress, clearing North Africa, invading Sicily and Italy, and conquering some Pacific Islands, but the road ahead looked long and difficult. It would prove to be so.

This poster reminded the people of 1943 of their heritage, that Americans fight for liberty. In the Revolutionary War, the American colonists faced the greatest military power of the time and prevailed. Their example inspired World War II soldiers to fight for freedom at home and abroad despite the odds.

Likewise, we can learn much from the past. When I think of what men and women of the 1940s endured so we could be free in 2012, it inspires me to embrace their values.

This Fourth of July, remember what made America great - our love of liberty, our willingness to fight for what's right, our ingenuity, our flexibility, our sense of humor, our diversity, and our moral strength - and embrace it. Keep America great by keeping Americans good.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—July 4, 1942: First US 8thAir Force operation: 6 A-20s fly with RAF to DeKooy Airfield, Netherlands. Over 100 magazines show US flag on cover for “United We Stand” campaign (Read more about the campaign at the Smithsonian Institute). New song in the Top Ten: “Jingle, Jangle, Jingle.” In Allied Convoy PQ-17, 22 of 33 ships are sunk by U-boats on way to Murmansk, Russia.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—July 3, 1942: Germans take Sevastopol and 100,000 POWs. RAF flies 780 sorties at the First Battle of El Alamein.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—July 2, 1942: Churchill’s government overcomes a parliamentary Motion of Censure in an overwhelming vote. US Depression-era Civilian Conservation Corps is ordered disbanded, completed 6/30/43.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—July 1, 1942: First Battle of El Alamein begins—German Gen. Rommel makes deepest penetration yet into Egypt. Sub USS Sturgeon sinks Japanese ship Montevideo Maru off Philippines; 845 Australian POWS and 208 civilians killed in Australia’s worst maritime disaster. US discontinues production of alarm clocks; however, rising absenteeism will lead to a quick repeal.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—June 30, 1942: Rommel reaches El Alamein, Egypt. US begins draft registration for men 18-20.

Today in World War II History

70 Years Ago—June 29, 1942: Premiere of Dmitri Shostakovich’s Seventh Symphony.

Book Beat - The Ride of Her Life by Lorna Seilstad

Lorna Seilstad won me over in Making Waves and A Great Catch with her combination of humor, hard-hitting questions, and a charming setting at a turn-of-the-century lakeside resort. The Ride of Her Life completes the Lake Manawa series in the same delightful manner.

While still grieving her late husband, Lilly Hart works at a diner to support her son alone, away from her poisonous former in-laws. But when her son latches on to handsome roller coaster designer Nick Perrin, her world is flung into disorder. Not only do her in-laws increase their schemes to remove little Levi from her custody, but Lilly finds herself hopelessly drawn to Nick. But how can she trust a man who will leave Lake Manawa, Levi - and her - at the end of the season?

Lilly's struggles to trust Nick reveal a deeper struggle to trust the Lord. Her sense of loss and her desperation to grasp control ring true. Nick is a compelling hero with plenty of hurt in his own past. And Levi is just right - a six-year-old whose love for creepy-crawlies makes him real - and provides plenty of humorous moments. I highly recommend this novel.

I'll miss Lake Manawa and this set of characters, but I'm looking forward to Lorna Seilstad's next series!