Freetown Movie Review and Giveaway

I was anxious to watch the movie Freetown because I'd heard so many good things about it and it didn't disappoint me.  I put my youngest children to bed and the rest of my children (12 and older) watched it with me. (Which I recommend because of the violence and war might be a bit too much for those under twelve.)

First of all, I loved the music and how we were transported immediately to the war taking place in Liberia.  The opening scenes are of rebels approaching a man whose car is stuck in the mud. They have automatic weapons and he has nothing. It is so tense!  My older son who served an LDS mission where there were a lot of Liberian people told me that they all had stories of how they'd escaped the horrors of this war, but at a great cost, including, sometimes, leaving children and spouses behind. It sounded like it was devastating and the movie really put you right there.

We then meet the LDS missionaries who are trying to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ during the violence.  After one particularly terrifying event, they decide to go to Freetown, Sierra Leone where they might have a chance to teach the gospel without fearing for their lives.  And so begins the incredible journey of what these people went through to do that. So much faith was required and so many miracles happened, it truly was amazing, especially since this is based on a true story.

I was impressed with the cinematography and the music. I thought the casting department did a great job. I did miss some of the dialogue at times because of background noises and music, but other than that, I thought it was inspiring and shone a light on the bravery and courage of our brothers and sisters in Liberia.

If you would like to a chance to win a free DVD of Freetown, all you have to do is tell me in the comments what was the best movie you saw this summer!  Contest open to the continental U.S. and the winner will be announced on Aug. 21.

Or, if you can't wait and want to buy your own copy, you can get it here for $17.99

Here's what it's about:

Freetown: Caught in the middle of a brutal civil war, six Liberian missionaries in Monrovia flee the widespread violence in their native country. Their destination: Freetown, Sierra Leone. With the help of local church member Phillip Abubakar (Henry Adofo), the missionaries make the difficult journey, only to have their troubles compounded by a rebel fighter bent on killing one of their own. Based on incredible true events, FREETOWN is a thrilling and inspiring story of faith, hope and survival.

Watch the theatrical trailer---

McRoll--Jet Lag

Okay, McRoll girls, here's Part 3 to send you into the weekend with something fun to read!  (As always, I do not own these characters and this is just for fun and entertainment.)

If you missed any previous installments, you can read Part 1 here

You can read Part 2 here

Part 3---Jet Lag

Steve walked up the steps to his front door, exhaustion seeping through every inch of his body. They’d searched for Sameer, used every channel they had, but he was nowhere to be found. Which means he probably had the nuke and was putting his plans in motion to use it.

He rubbed his eyes and held back a yawn. Getting out of the water and seeing Catherine again seemed like a lifetime ago, instead of this morning. He unlocked the door, hoping she was here.

Turning on the entryway light, he saw that her suitcase wasn’t there anymore. Silently taking the stairs to the second floor, he didn’t see her in bed or any lights on in the bathroom. His stomach sank. She wouldn’t leave, would she? He walked to the window, peering outside. She wasn’t on the beach. Would she have gone for a run? Hopefully not this late.

He stopped at the top of the stairs and saw her in the shadows of the couch, curled up in a corner. Relief raced through him. He let out a breath and started down. From the angle she’d fallen asleep in, her neck was going to ache when she woke up.

He crossed quietly to the couch and sat down on the other end, watching her. She looked so peaceful when she slept, all the worry and uncertainty gone. Her hair had come out of her clip and curled around her throat. He wanted to reach out and touch it, to pull her close and just hold her until the sun came up. They didn’t even have to speak, just be.

But he couldn’t do that. Not yet. He took the blanket off the chair beside him and covered her with it. Pulling it over her legs, he noticed a scar on her shin that he’d never seen before. How had she gotten it? When? His stomach tightened remembering his own scars he’d picked up on his last trip to Afghanistan. They’d both suffered and changed and that’s what the issue was. Could they pick up where they’d left off with the people they were now?

He didn’t know.

Gently picking her up, he settled her in his arms, keeping the blanket around her. “Steve,” she said, sleepily.

“I’m here.” He pressed her closer. She was thinner than she should be, and he frowned. Had she not gotten enough to eat while she was overseas? Or was she not taking care of herself? Apparently they had a lot more to talk about than he’d thought. He carried her toward the stairs. “I’m just getting you a little more comfortable, okay?”

She didn’t answer, just locked her hands behind his neck and snuggled deeper in his arms. He kissed her temple as he took her into the bedroom and laid her on her side of the bed. She grabbed his forearm before he could step back. “Did you find Sameer?”

“Not yet.” He sighed, wishing he had better news, that he could tell her it was okay. “It’s not over, though.”

She was struggling to wake up, but he knew the jet lag was dragging her under. She needed the rest and there wasn’t anything she could do right now anyway. “We’ll start again the morning. Just get some sleep.”

She nodded and reached for his hand, intertwining her fingers with his, like she’d done so many times before. He sat down on the bed, staring at her small fingers in his hand. It was tempting to climb in and hold her. He hadn’t slept well in months and part of that was not having her near. His body was just able to fully relax when she was next to him.

And he wanted her next to him.  Rubbing his thumb over the back of her hand, all he could think about was how many memories were wrapped up in their hands. Holding each other. Waving goodbye to each other. Protecting each other. Comforting each other. Their hands had always been the perfect fit, working together. But could their relationship hold on?

He sighed and let go, standing next to the bed. He was tired and she was too tempting. They had so much history and right now that seemed more important than anything. He knew her as well as he knew himself.

But was that still true?

She’d experienced things in Afghanistan that he had no idea about. She’d told him not to wait for her. And he needed to sort out his own feelings that he’d set aside about that. How ironic that the day she came back to Hawaii was the day a nuke went missing.

 Maybe he should just lie down next to her and let the chips fall where they may in the morning. They could face it together. But in his heart, he knew he couldn’t. They both needed answers and a good night’s sleep.

He brushed his fingertips across her cheek and pulled the blanket higher. “See you in the morning,” he murmured. He grabbed his pillow and headed downstairs. Laying down on the couch where Catherine had been, he let the sound of the ocean waves calm him. Glancing upstairs, he turned over, trying to get comfortable. She was here. Safe. And they had time. Before Kono’s wedding tomorrow he’d get some answers. How long was she staying? Where did they go from here?

Closing his eyes, he let the answers he hoped she’d say run through his mind.

Freebie Friday

Just a reminder to all my friends and readers that the first novel in my Hostage Negotiation series, All Fall Down, (that has one of my favorite Navy SEALs in it) will be returning to full price soon. If you haven't downloaded it yet, now's the time!  You can get your free Kindle copy here

Here's the back copy:

Ring around the rosy, a pocket full of posies, ashes, ashes we all fall down . . .

That simple rhyme turns negotiator Claire Michaels’ current hostage situation into an international incident. Claire just wants to help get everyone out safely, but as the crisis escalates she realizes she’s dealing with an al-Qaeda operative who has the means to become another bin Laden---with the potential to attack America. Claire has her own personal reasons for wanting to stop al-Qaeda, but time is slipping away as negotiations break down. Can she overcome her scars of the past in order to get the hostage out alive and possibly stop an assault on U.S. national security?

Navy SEAL Rafe Kelly is on leave to recover from a knee injury he suffered during his tour in Afghanistan and he doesn’t expect to be fighting terrorists on his home turf. But when he is taken hostage and his brother is kidnapped, Rafe teams up with a hostage negotiator in order to stay alive and get his brother back. The terrorist is always one step ahead of them, however, and the situation quickly turns from desperate to deadly. Will Rafe be able to save himself and his country without anyone he loves getting caught in the crossfire?

Today's Friday Freebie is a cute contemporary romance from Shannon Guymon. It's called My One and Only and is the first book in her Love and Weddings Trilogy.  I know what I'll be reading this weekend! You can download your free Kindle copy here 

Here's the back copy:

Meredith Jensen has seen her share of ups and downs. She’s found love twice already and lost it in spectacularly traumatic ways. Now? She just wants a peaceful life, free from love and drama. Meredith’s plans for the future center around planning other people’s weddings and her new online dating website. Just because she works to help other people find love doesn’t mean she wants any part of it though. Unfortunately for Meredith’s plans, Asher Murphy is determined to get her to give love another chance. But then again, so is Pule Matafeo. Meredith has never denied that she’s stubborn and feisty so it might take the combined forces of all their friends in Fircrest to get her heart back on track in time for Valentine’s Day.

McRoll---The Phone Calls

Okay, McRoll girls, here is Part 2 as promised. Thank you for loving my stories and for being so supportive. You are amazing! This section covers the two phone calls that Catherine made to Steve in the Season 5 finale.  (Again, I don't own these characters and this is just for fun and entertainment.)

If you missed Part One, you can read it here

The Phone Calls---Part 2 of 4

Steve glanced down at the car phone.  It felt like old times, being able to call and ask Catherine to help on his case. That was one thing about their relationship, if someone was deployed or on assignment, they could always count on their connection to be there when they saw each other, no matter how much time had passed.

This time was a little different, though, with the things they’d said to each other before spending months apart. He pressed on the gas pedal, as the memory raced through his mind like it had a thousand times before. The phone in his hand. The relief at hearing her voice. The physical ache in his arms with wanting to hold her, wishing they weren’t on a phone saying those things to each other. “I love you, you know.” “I love you, too.” It was the first time he’d ever said that to her and he’d hoped it wouldn’t be the last. But waiting months to see her face to face hadn't been in his plans either. Had her feelings changed? Had his? Where did they stand now? The questions went round and round in his head with no answers. And from the looks of this case, he wouldn’t be getting any answers anytime soon.

He focused on the conversation and her voice telling him she’d reach out to her Navy intel contacts. He suppressed a smile. It felt like the team was back together again with everything as it should be. Even with her eagerness to help, however, he could hear the trace of exhaustion in her voice. He wanted to tell her to rest, but he knew she wouldn’t. She was too much like him---driven in a crisis.

“Nice to hear your voice, Catherine,” Danny chimed in before the conversation ended.

“You too, Danny,” Catherine said before she hung up.

Steve groaned inwardly, knowing Danny would interrogate him the moment the call ended. He sucked in a breath, preparing himself.

“So . . . how long is she staying?”

Here it comes. Steve glanced over at Danny, wishing he had an answer. “We didn’t discuss that.”

“Was her suitcase big or was it small?”

He thought about the suitcase near his front door and how happy it had made him to see that she’d brought it. That he’d been her first stop the moment she got off the plane. “It was medium.”

“She staying with you or she staying at a hotel while she’s here?”

Hopefully with me. But he didn’t say that out loud. Danny wanted answers that Steve didn’t have and more questions he wasn’t ready to talk about. “We didn’t discuss that either. Anything else?”

“Look, I like Catherine very much, okay, I’m just not too happy about the way that she left things and now she comes back without so much as a phone call. I think that for you it’d be good to find out what her plans are so she doesn’t rip your heart out again, that’s all.”

Steve’s fingers tightened on the steering wheel. How could he explain what he’d felt when Catherine stayed behind without him? Their connection hadn’t broken, he knew that, but it was like a SAT phone call to Afghanistan with spotty service---you’d be lucky to get an entire conversation in. That’s where he and Catherine were at right now. Things were fuzzy, but the connection was there. They just needed to get a conversation in. “Well, she didn’t rip my heart out, Danny, she went to do what she thought was right.”

“Right, she left you for a bunch of strangers.”

“She went to help people in need, but like I said before, Danny, I don’t expect you to understand.” And he didn’t. Danny had great qualities, was loyal to a fault, and always had his back, he knew that, but this was like an unspoken code in the military. You paid your debts. You did the right thing. You preserved honor. Catherine felt like she owed the people who’d helped her and she’d paid them back. The timing had been bad for their relationship, sure, but Steve understood it.

Danny was still talking and Steve half-heartedly pointed out that Danny needed to talk to his own girlfriend. But then Danny said the magic words and Steve echoed them, knowing it would end the conversation. “I’m going to talk to Catherine when the time is right.” And he would. He let out a breath, uncertainty pooling in his gut. If things went as he planned, they’d find this nuke today and he could go home to Catherine. But even one "if" was too many when they were talking about a nuke.

By the time he got to the office, Kono had caught a break and was bringing up the suspect’s info onscreen. Steve listened to her dissect the guy’s life. It never ceased to amaze him what motivated people to commit treason, kill others, and think they could get away with it. But it made it all the sweeter when the team brought them down.

His phone rang and when he pulled it out, he saw Catherine’s name come up. How long had it been since that'd happened? He put his phone on the table, knowing if she was calling him back this fast, she'd found something. “Cath, you’re on speaker. Go.”

She’d found the buyer. Sameer Hadad. Another guy with a grudge, but a dangerous one. He rubbed his forehead at what she was telling them, the connections to terrorism, the people that would be hurt if Sameer bought the nuke. This case had just gone from bad to worse, but at least they knew what they were facing because Catherine had come through for them. Again. How many times had she come up with the piece of information they needed to crack the case? Too many to count. She was solid---there for him. Always.

“Thanks, Cath. Now go home and get some rest.” She had to be exhausted by now. He’d made that flight from Afghanistan a few times himself and knew how grueling it was. And he really did want her to sleep at home, to be there when he got there. Maybe then, they could figure a few things out.

"Roger that."  She'd signed off without argument. That alone was a sign she was really tired.

Steve stared at Sameer’s pictures and the intel they had on him popping up on the screen. The situation was so precarious with Sameer thrown in the mix.  The potential for mass casualties was chilling.  His hand hovered over his phone. Maybe he should call Catherine back and tell her to get off the island, to go somewhere safe. But, in his heart, he knew she’d stay right where she was in case he needed her. He’d do the same for her. That’s how it had always been between them.

And it gave him all the more reason to find Sameer before it was too late.

Book Review: Veils and Vengeance

I've been reading Veils and Vengeance by Rachelle Christensen and it has made me anxious for the season premiere of Hawaii Five-O! Not that it has anything to do with the show, (although the book does briefly mention my other favorite show, Castle) but the book is set in Hawaii, and as my longtime readers know, I am dying to visit the islands someday.  (Which is part of the reason I watch Hawaii Five-O. But only part. *grin*)

In this book, Adrielle Pyper, the wedding planner extraordinaire is doing a beautiful destination wedding for her friend Malia. Since Malia is so relaxed, Adri can relax as well, but while she's exploring Kauai, she finds more than she bargained for.  

Jon, the groom's brother attracts her attention immediately, but on their first outing together, Adri finds a woman's body and it's obvious she's been murdered.  But the events don't stop there.  When Adri starts receiving threats of her own, and it escalates into attempts on her life, Jon wants to protect her.  But Luke shows up and wants a place in her life, too.  With the wedding, two great guys, and a murder to solve, Adri has her hands full.

I thought the setting descriptions were fantastic and I really loved Adri's character.  The love triangle was also well done, with both men having an equal chance with her. I must say I was glad with who she ended up with, though.  A really fun afternoon read! Click here to get your copy for $4.99!

Here's the back copy:

When wedding planner Adrielle Pyper orchestrates a destination ceremony in Hawaii, she’s prepared for anything—except murder.

After the trauma of her last event, the beautiful isle of Kauai is the perfect place for Adri to unwind and do what she does best – plan. She even lets herself indulge in the attention of the groom’s handsome brother. But just when everything seems to be perfect, an afternoon snorkeling trip turns deadly when Adri discovers the body of a young woman. 

Shaken, but unable to let go, Adri’s sleuthing leads her into more danger than she bargained for. When a number of “accidents” threaten her own life, it soon becomes apparent that someone will do anything to keep Adri from interfering with their vengeance.

Writer Goal Wednesday

photo credit: plnaugle via photopin cc 

Well, this was an amazing writer week for me! All my little goals and babysteps are really coming together into one big whole and turning into something wonderful.

Last week's sprint went REALLY WELL. I got 3005 words on my new novel and they were good words. I'm so excited. We're going to do it again tonight and I hope it's just as successful! My new story is really shaping up and I'm loving the characters.

I am finishing up the final edits on my novella and that should be done this evening. Woohoo! I love this story and I can't wait for you all to read it. (It will be out in October.)

I am also finishing the final listen on the audio book of Ashes Ashes. My narrator, Simon Pringle-Wallace, is amazing. His voice for my bad guy is SO CREEPY! I love it. I know you will all want to hear it, so I'll keep you posted the minute it's available for purchase!

For next week I think I'm just going to concentrate on getting at least 3000 more words on my novel. With it being back to school, I know things will be super busy around here, but I can do it!

How did your writing week go?

Nature of Grace Boxed Set & A $100 Giveaway!

 

 

Nature of Grace Boxed Set by S.R. Johannes

The NATURE OF GRACE books are now in a boxed set and on sale for only 99 cents! You have to have this for any wilderness thriller fans in your life. Be sure to scroll all the way down and enter the giveaway for $100 Amazon gift card or Paypal cash!

Sixteen-year-old Grace grew up in the woods determined to make a difference in the North Carolina wilderness. When she comes across conservation threats, she uses her survival and wilderness skills to stop them, no matter what the cost. In addition to being a thriller/mystery - other book themes include conservation, nature, animals, survival, wilderness, endangered animals. The box set includes all 3 boxes in the Nature of Grace (Untraceable, Uncontrollable, and Unstoppable). It also includes an exclusive short story, Unspeakable from Mo's perspective) as well as the original Untraceable before it was changed. The box set also includes a large section of Special Extras that include interviews with the author, characters, and additional information on the nature and animal conservation the books support.

Untraceable (Book 1) - When Grace's forest ranger dad disappears on patrol, she fights town authorities, tribal officials, & nature to prove he’s alive. Torn between a hot boy and cute ex, she heads into the wilderness to find her dad. Soon, she is caught in a web of conspiracy, deception, and murder.

Uncontrollable (Book 2) - When Grace enters the Red Wolf Reintroduction Program. When wolves start showing up dead, Grace must work through her fears and hunt down clues to find out who is sabotaging the wolf program and why. Little does she know, she is being hunting too.

Unstoppable (Book 3) - When Grace moves to the Everglades to live with her grandmother, Birdie, she makes new friends with Dylan and his girlfriend, fellow animal activist, Sadie. After finding an injured Florida Panther, she stumbles upon a large roadside zoo illegally filled with a variety of endangered and exotic animals. There, she and her friends are kidnapped by the ruthless owner and dragged deep into the Everglades for a hunting challenge. Only this time, Grace is the prey.

Unspeakable (Short Story from Mo's perspective) - When Mo sees a strange girl in the woods, he follows her. He soon realizes they are both in a dangerous position and may not get out alive. Untraceable's Original Ending - Never released before!

Exclusive Extras - including author interviews, character interviews, insider scoop on the series, and additional animal and nature conservation information on the issues covered in the series.

Sale!! From now until August 16 the complete box set is only $0.99.

Amazon

Praise for the books:

"A Modern Day Katniss" -Reel Life with Jane
IndieReader Kirkus Reviews called this teen series "a dramatic entanglement of mystery, deception and teen romance"!

 

Author S. R. Johannes S.R. Johannes is the award-winning author of the Amazon bestselling Nature of Grace thriller series (Untraceable, Uncontrollable, and Unstoppable). She is a winner of the IndieReader Discovery Award in YA, an IPPY a Silver Medalist for YA Fiction, a Finalist in The Kindle Book Review's Best Young Adult Fiction, and a Finalist in US Book News Best YA Book. Since leaving Corporate America, she has followed her passion for writing and conservation by working with The Dolphin Project, the Atlanta Zoo, other animal rescue organizations, and by weaving conservation themes into her books. Currently, she lives in Atlanta, GA with her two Doodles, English-accented husband, and the huge imaginations of their prince and princess, which she hopes- someday- will change the world.

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 $100 Book Blast Giveaway $100 Amazon eGift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 8/31/15 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com eGift Card or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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