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: ¿The only easy day was yesterday¿ ¿Navy SEAL motto Review: "Dee Henderson has done a splendid job mixing romance with the fast-paced action of a Navy SEAL platoon. True Devotion captures the qualities of intrigue, suspense, and intimacy within the setting of America's elite waterborne commandos." - Steve Watkins, former Navy SEAL Adventure, suspense, inspiration and romance combine in an explosive blend in this Navy SEAL romance. True Devotion is the first in the Uncommon Heroes series of groundbreaking inspirational military romances honoring heroes from each branch of the military. Kelly Jacobs has already paid the ultimate price of loving a warrior; she has the folded flag and the grateful thanks of a nation to prove it. Navy SEAL Joe "Bear" Baker can't ask her to accept that risk again even though he loves her. But the man responsible for her husband's death is back; closer than either of them realize. Kelly's in danger; and Joe may not get there in time... BACK COVER She was going to drown... Lifeguard Kelly Jacobs watched the sun go down and knew time for her rescue was running out. The naval base glittered in the fading light as a jewel she could not reach. The sea surged and pulled, stinging her with its cold. Until he came... Navy SEAL Lt. Joe "Bear" Baker plucked Kelly from the raging sea when she had nearly given up hope. She had known he would come-he was her best friend-and she clung for all she was worth to the safe haven she found in his arms. Then she said the wrong thing... She had already paid the ultimate price of loving a warrior. She had the folded flag and the grateful thanks of a nation to prove it. She didn't dare risk loving another man in uniform. But held close in Joe's arms, Kelly said the wrong thing, and their friendship suddenly hung in the balance. Now they're both in danger... The man who killed Kelly's husband is back, and closer than either Kelly or Joe realize. They're about to discover God is a refuge, because this time there will be no rescue. END
Rating: Summary: Great Encouragement Review: A truly enjoyable book- well developed characters, plot, and relationship. It tells a story that is not just about romance but about God spiced up with suspense. I learned alot about God, the Navy SEALS, and romance the way God intended. I am greatly looking forward to other books from Dee Henderson.
Rating: Summary: Good on intensity, okay on adventure, so-so romance Review: After reading this story, I called my sis to tell her she should read it. Being military B.R.A.T.s, we'd laugh at the minor errors many would miss, but overall, it's a good story. Brought back a few memories on how tough military life can be on the family. Kelly Jacobs lost her husband in a SEAL "training exercise" a couple years ago. Slowly, she had been struggling to put her life together with the help of her chum (and best friend to her late husband) Lt. Joe "Bear" Baker. Being a lifeguard, she was called one night to rescue a young guy from a surfing accident, and both were swept out from the shore, too far to swim back. Just before she gave up hope, Joe came to her rescue. At that point, she realizes just how much he means to her, as does he. Slowly, she puts her life and her friendship with Joe in God's hands. I'll be honest. I liked the book, but cannot give it a perfect score. Here, the focus at times is on how badly Kelly wants to be married, and her need for a solid relationship with someone. Perhaps it's because I'm an oldest brother, or just because I'm more liberal than most of my pals, but I don't think a woman needs a man to be happy, especially when it comes to my sisters. She should be happy with herself, and then *share* a partnership with the one she loves. (Dee Henderson shows this much better in her O'Malley series - another great read!!). Other than that, this was a good book.
Rating: Summary: A salute to love! Review: As a former Navy officer, I am so pleased to find a book where military people and the military way of life are addressed in a realistic way. The combination of romance, suspense, and inspiration worked in this book. I found the characters to be believable, and therefore so engaging that I couldn't put the book down because they were so real I just had to find out what happened to them! The choice to try to follow God's ethics while working in the arena of the military is a difficult one, and I enjoyed watching Kelly and Joe struggle with that issue. Can't wait for the next book in this series and in the O'Malley series!
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: Wonderful Review: Being ex-military, I was curious to see how Ms. Henderson had dealt with the problems that occur (overseas assignments, missions, ect.). You don't know the feelings these people have until you have walked in their shoes. I think Ms. Henderson did a wonderful job. I enjoyed this book very much and can't wait until the next one comes out.
Rating: Summary: Romance off balance with Navy SEAL suspense Review: Dee Henderson gives an in-depth insight into the lives of the Navy SEALs and their families. I enjoyed the book, but often found myself skimming through the lengthy sections focused only on SEAL operations. As compared to her other books (Danger in the Shadows, The Guardian...) the characters were not as well developed nor was the romance. In general Henderson is a wonderful Inspirational Romance writer, but I would stick to her other books.
Rating: Summary: OUTSTANDING! Review: Dee Henderson has done it again! I have yet to read a book of hers that doesn't leave me longing for more. True Devotion was an incredibly powerful combination of military heroism, touching romance, and honest faith. I read it from cover to cover in one setting - losing myself into the well crafted, suspenseful plot. Dee has set a precedence of writing gripping novels with equally gripping themes. I can hardly wait for her next book... Bravo Dee!
Rating: Summary: We Are Thoughtful LOVERS! Review: Dee Henderson has exposed us as more then just Trained Killers. You will enjoy the read.
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