Senator by Richard Bowker

I give five stars to this reflective narrative which explores three ideas that naturally go together; politics, forbidden relationships, and secrets. The story is tightly woven with surprising yet believable twists. The author allows us to become intimate with the Senator's daily life. His handling of every issue of every minute of every day directly effects the outcome of his as well as others lives. He is fully aware of this weight. He has to pick and chose as he reveals different levels of truth.

This practice is not solely subscribed to by politicians. If we were honest, we would confess that we each do this. Did you tell you husband the amount you just put on the charge card? How do you answer your children when they ask about your teenage years? What reason did you give the officer for your speeding? The information we choose to share directly effects us as well others every day.

The information choices The Senator makes can be seen as both good and bad. A seemingly casual comment to a reporter, his staff or his family, can have a domino effect. Each comment made can either leave the hearer confident, questioning, or both. What is the connection with an old college roommate? With the reporter? With the political opposition? How does the Senator and others manipulate the events leading up to the election?
I came away with the realizations that whichever side of the political isle you are on, I realize both sides experience the same questions, doubts, and goals.

Favorite line, "Everyone is guilty, but everyone is innocent."

A Haunting Is Brewing by Juliet Blackwell

A most enjoyable match-up of Juliet Blackwell's delightful characters; Mel (Home Renovation Mystery Series) and Lily (Witchcraft Mystery Series). 

Halloween has its own creepy connotations, but add to that an innocent victim and an old house and the question of who or what helped the human join the ghostly realm and you have a perfect back drop to explore Mel and Lily's talents. The paring emphasizes Ms. Blackwell's talent for diverse character development. The differences in the two personalities and special abilities was consistent with their respective series.  However, the most noticeable addition was Lily's confidence.  Her role as Mel's teacher and guide was true to human nature.  Most of us lack confidence, but when faced with difficult situations, step-up to the plate.  Lily's gentle explanations and encouragement helped Mel's confidence to increase awhile  nudging her to see her own spooky gift in a new light.  We all have special abilities ranging from the hard to see; compassion, kindness and non-judgmental.  To the easy to see; doctors, lawyers, musicians. Whatever your special ability, when someone understands and actually listens, your path is a little smoother.  Mel and Lily's friendship is an example of a of positive supportive relationship.  

I look forward to the next encounter for each of the new friends in their own series and hopefully together again.

Fourteenth Protocol By Nathan Goodman

This story is quite different from my usual choices. I usually go for the vampire, fairy, time travel genre. Military and terrorism are not my go-to for entertaining.    However, this story is so well written I felt I was completing the mission with Jana. You can tell Nathan Goodman put a lot of time into researching the different locations where the story unfolds. His description of high-tech security as well as tactical strategy leaves you believing this scenario is possible. However, the details did not deflect from the story development. Each plot twist was not expected, but extremely believable. I genuinely care about what happen to each of the characters as well as the outcome of the mission. I truly hope a sequel is in the works.

After enjoying the FBI/CIA intrigue of this fast paced tale, I will be expanding by book choices.

Mr. Goodman, thank you for such an awesome, well executed  adventure!