Rating: 
Summary: True Devotion
Review: "They were going to drown," these first five words of Dee Henderson's novel, True Devotion, the reader is automatically interested and drawn to continue reading. Henderson moves the reader from the first page to the last with a combination of heroism, romance and page-turning anticipation.
Lifeguard Kelly Jacobs watches the sun go down and knows time for her rescue was running out as she anxiously looked for Ryan Raines, a teenage boy who had been in a surfing accident and was stranded in the Pacific waters off the coast of San Diego. As the situation unfolds, the reader's emotions are running wild. Will they be rescued? Will someone find them before it is too late? Throughout the first chapter, Henderson makes readers feel as though they are in the middle of what is happening by tying emotions in with anticipation.
Henderson's writing techniques are best recognized by the emotion expressed to the readers. The next scene takes the reader through a new spectrum of feelings. When Kelly and Ryan are finally found, the reader is able to experience relief and thankfulness that everything will be resolved. As the reader is experiencing relief, Henderson focuses on the relationship between Kelly and Joe. Joe is not only the one who rescued them but also the one for whom Kelly has deep feelings. With the somewhat complicated relationship between Kelly and Joe, Henderson starts to tie in the romance aspect of the novel, which interests the reader to continue reading on. Henderson brings in a key issue that will continue on throughout the book, the mention of the word love. Joe and Kelly's relationship is taken to a new level at the mention of this word. This makes the reader very hopeful about what will come out of the relationship.
Another emotion that Henderson uses continually throughout the novel is anticipation. She gives the reader the exact amount of information that hooks them into continuing to read. She ties this technique in with many situations that occur in the book. Henderson combines anticipation with adventure. For example, Joe is an active Navy SEAL. Throughout the book he is sent on specific missions, Henderson uses the description of the mission to further the anticipation technique. In many of the missions, as a reader, you are at a point where you don't know if Joe is going to make it back alive this is where the anticipation is at its peak.
For security reasons SEALS are to be completely silent about any specifics involving their mission. Although we, as readers, know the inside SEAL information, Kelly does not. This puts the reader in a feeling of sympathy for Kelly. Not only does she not know where Joe is going when he leaves on missions she also does not know serious and dangerous each mission is. Another example of sympathy is, as a reader you know the deep secret behind Nick's death, Kelly's husband, and because of the secrecy required in the job Kelly does not know how her husband was killed, so this tends to make the readers feel sympathy for Kelly, not only because of her not knowing but because she is a young widow.
All the emotions that Henderson expresses are not only the feelings of the characters, but also those of the readers. In this novel, not only did you read the story of Joe and Kelly, it felt as though you were there and you were involved in the story. I think that Dee Henderson did a wonderful job by using emotion as a writing technique. She made the story come alive to the reader by making them feel as though the events were happening to them. Henderson wrote the story in third person, which is an excellent choice because not only do you feel and understand Kelly's position; you feel and understand Joe's as well. True Devotion was well written and well organized. The novel made a lasting impression on me because it felt like I was involved in everything that happened. I would refer it to anyone who loves romance, adventure and action in a novel.
Rating:
Summary: Great Book
Review: At first I wasn't certain I would like this series. Military romances usually do nothing for me. However, I bought it, and I was hooked by the end of the first chapter. I loved it. I've read the other two books in the series, and this is still my favorite.
Rating:
Summary: A great start to the series
Review: I liked this book. I was instantly interested in these people's lives. How will Joe react to Kelly's declaration of love? Like any woman, I am also a sucker for a man in uniform, and Joe doesn't disappoint. I also identified with Kelly's religious struggles. I, too, have found myself merely going through the motions without examining why I am doing these things. I highly recommend this book.
Rating:
Summary: I loved it!
Review: I loved the book. while I am not a big fan of mixing religion and fiction......this was a good book.
I can't wait to read the next one!
Rating:
Summary: Great Story
Review: I really enjoyed this book! As a former military member, I thought Ms. Henderson portrayed the military life very well. It isn't easy being in the military and being in love. A lot of factors come into looking at a relationship. I loved how the two main characters relied on God to get through their tough times. I myself fell in love with this book, the characters and their devotion to their careers and God. Well done!
Rating:
Summary: Riveting from page one
Review: I recently discovered Dee Henderson in this novel, and what a discovery! The book opens with a woman (Kelly) floating in the ocean, wondering if she will become a victim like her husband, wondering if the new man in her life (Joe), a SEAL, will rescue her. Flashbacks intertwine with the scene, as the author takes her time entering into the commencement of the story itself. Kelly is falling for Joe, but isn't sure if she has the strength to marry another SEAL. Joe's intensely in love with her, but knows her concerns. Meanwhile the man responsible for her husband's death (Raider) is out to finish off Joe's platoon, putting Joe's life in grave danger. Joe and Kelly struggle to make a decision concerning their relationship in the midst of constant distractions. In the end, Kelly herself is kidnapped by the feared Raider and thought to be dead. This event alone changes Joe's life forever. A must-read book, the best I've seen in a while. Henderson's an amazing writer, and knows what she's talking about. Looking forward impatiently for Book Two!
Rating:
Summary: True perfection!
Review: Once I pick up a book by Dee Henderson, it does not take me long to finish it and this was no exception. This is the first in the Uncommon Heroes series and it is superb. The end of the book came too soon. I wanted it to go on to see what became of the characters, who are all very believable. It is an action packed book full of intrigue and excitement with a special blend of romance. A very well written book. The only down side is I have to wait quite a while for the second in the series to become available! Thanks Dee! Keep 'em coming!
Rating:
Summary: Move Over Brockman
Review: There is just something about a man in uniform which has romance readers' hearts all a tweeter especially if the uniform is that of a Navy SEAL. One need only look at the highly successful SEAL books by Suzanne Brockman to know what branch of the military service is the reader's favorite. Well move over Susanne Brockman, there is a new kid on the block who has created a truly stunning tale of love and devotion to God, Country and to those left behind when the missions are done. TRUE DEVOTION is the remarkably poignant story of a Navy SEAL widow and the man whose love for her is tied to her husband's death. Multnomah author, Dee Henderson, who has captivated romantic suspense readers with DANGER IN THE SHADOWS and THE NEGOGIATOR, has crafted a tale of love and devotion sure to fascinate the most cynical reader.Navy widow and lifeguard, Kelly Jacobs has found herself in tight spots before but nothing like this. Relying on survival skills her deceased husband taught her may not be enough to save her and the young surfer as they are caught in a rip tide being drawn out to sea. As the biting cold of the water is taking its toll and darkness sets in Kelly races to keep her young charge alive and her strength up but her spirit takes the biggest toll. With the knowledge Navy SEALs take care of their own including widows, her only hope is they will be found soon by the Navy or Coast Guard. Yet, as the tide pushes them further away from the few lights still visible from the base, her thoughts drift to her husband's best friend, Navy SEAL Lt. Joe "Bear" Baker. As her faith and spirit are tested to the limit it seems she has some unfinished business about her husband's death and her growing feelings for "Bear" Baker. Will he find her in time to explore them or is it her time to join her husband? In TRUE DEVOTION, Ms. Henderson has provided readers with a uniquely plotted story using the "second chance at love" theme; a theme sadly lacking in today's romance offerings. The fact Dee Henderson does it with a crisp professional voice makes TRUE DEVOTION a must read even if you have never read an Inspirational book. Readers are sure to become loyal fans of Ms Henderson's work after reading the first chapter of Kelly's intense personal introspection: truly incredible writing sure to make the reader's heart ache at the intensity of her feelings. Have the tissues ready!. Her impressive knowledge of the workings of Navy SEALS never takes over the story but then she never lets the spirituality of her books become preachy either. This is what makes a Dee Henderson novel something very special. If you are a fan of Navy SEAL stories, you must read TRUE DEVOTION, a story with depth and emotion far surpassing the best of Suzanne Brockman's Navy SEALs. Dee Henderson is truly one of Romance's rising stars.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent
Review: This was a great book I'm a hopeless fool for a man in a uniform and this novel delivers. The Navy's elite force in action-The SEALS! It has action, adventure romance and CHRISTIAN VALUES! Dee Henderson has indepth knowledge of military life and procedures.
Rating:
Summary: Don' miss this great read.
Review: This was a most heart wrenching, heart warming, patriotic, honorable book that expressed every imaginable adjective in every character in it. For military wives, families, and friends, GET IT, NOW! You won't put it down. For the non-military, christians, book lovers, even occasional readers...This book will inspire you and touch your heart in some way. You will want the entire series before you finish the first book. To the writer, Dee Henderson, Thank you for your wonderful talent, we await more of your work!
|
