Gunny Mac Private Detective: Trouble in Chinatown by Steven Walker

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Author's Synopsis: Four recuperating wounded Guadalcanal veterans fight to stay alive after accidentally finding out about a million-dollar heist! Anybody who is somebody in Chinatown in Honolulu wants them deader than the mackerel Gunny Mac had for lunch. But after the hell of Guadalcanal, it just might be hard to kill them. Gunny Mac Navy Cross recipient, hero of Bloody Ridge, hates what he has been forced to be...a civilian. Gunny Wojohowitz, Mac's best friend needs Mac to help him kill a man that needs killing. Lt. Alan Burke a spoiled, rich Harvard graduate and Naval officer sent to the Marine Corp as punishment needs Mac to help him find redemption. Padre McCaffery, a Navy Cross recipient and Jesuit priest, padre of the 1st Marine Battalion, promises himself to keep Mac alive at all costs. One last battle...for their country and friends...one last victory!

Genre(s): Fiction, Historical Fiction, Mystery/Thriller

Format(s): Soft cover, Kindle, ePub/iBook, Audiobook

ISBN/ASIN: 978-1-7357026-0-5, 978-1-7357026-1-2, 978-1-7357026-2-9

From CO to CEO: A Practical Guide for Transitioning from Military to Industry Leadership by William Toti by

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Author's Synopsis

In From CO to CEO: A Practical Guide for Transitioning from Military to Industry Leadership, William J. Toti, former CO of the nuclear submarine USS Indianapolis and former CEO of Sparton Corporation, offers a seminal manual for service members transitioning to civilian careers and navigating their rise up the corporate ladder.

Genre(s): Nonfiction, Reference

Format(s): Hard cover, Kindle, ePub/iBook, Audiobook

ISBN/ASIN: 978-1-63763-063-1, 978-1-63763-064-8x

Number of Pages: 272

The Hidden Lives of Dick & Mary: Two Novellas of Supernatural Suspense by Xavier Poe Kane

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Author's Synopsis: From debut author Xavier Poe Kane comes a paranormal pair of tales surrounding the unusual lives and acquaintances of Dick Fischer and Mary Deacon.

Dick Fisher is a medium, and he and his rookie reality show team of ghost hunters find themselves entrenched in the military history of Jefferson Barracks. "Haunted Houses: Gateway to the West and the Beyond" follows the team in St. Louis, Missouri, as they discover spirits both friend and foe and learn what exactly it took to terrify the soldiers who claimed they weren't afraid of anything.

Mary just wants someone to listen to her and not go running like they've just seen a ghost. In "The Tale of Mary Deacon", a young girl who wishes to go to space begins to get more than she bargained for. As she gets older and the abductions more invasive, she must learn who to trust and how.

Both haunting and emotional, The Hidden Lives of Dick and Mary explores what can happen if you open your mind to the existence of things--and people--that go bump in the night.

Genre(s): Fiction, Historical Fiction, Fantasy/Sci-Fi

Format(s): Softcover

ISBN/ASIN: 9781087945149

Our Longest Year in Iraq by Douglas Satterfield

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Author's Synopsis

Army Engineers were among the first Soldiers on the Iraq battlefield; some of the last to leave. This book tells the story of those who stood alongside our warfighters in combat. For those who want a glimpse of modern warfare and read about Soldiers in combat, this book is written in an easy-to-read form for a general audience.
The 1st Cavalry Division entered the Iraq War in early 2004 to provide security for Iraqi citizens. What happened was a resurgence of violence and death. Army Engineers were thrown into the battle to build bases, roads, airfields, hunt IEDs, and install barriers to protect and house the warfighters. From Fallujah to Sadr City, the fight was on, and Engineers on the battlefield did their part honorably and courageously.
For those who have the spirit, read about the Soldiers who fought in Iraq. Brigadier General Satterfield, U.S. Army (retired), tells the story of the 353rd Engineer Group (1st Cav) as it led the greatest engineer effort in decades. He discusses how courage and honor overcame that fear. And, he shows us how Engineers played a vital role in winning over the hearts and minds of Iraqi citizens. This is a personal journey from Fort Sill, Oklahoma to Baghdad, Iraq and back.
The 1st Cav motto, "Be Courteous, Be Professional, Be Prepared to Kill," reflected their orders on the battlefield and how they overcame a profound evil perpetuated by enemy Iraqi insurgents and International terrorists. This is a true story from March 2004 through February 2005, one of the most dangerous times of the war.

Genres: Nonfiction, History

Formats: Softcover, Kindle

ISBN/ASIN: 978-1-7379155-1-5, 978-1-7379155-0-8

America's Amazing Airports by Penny Rafferty Hamilton

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Author's Synopsis: America’s Amazing Airports is easy-to-read for all ages. Packed with unique photographs about the “magic” at our airports outside and inside. A great introduction to aviation careers and a nationwide look at community airports. An easy to understand explanation of airport funding is included. Praise from aviation leaders. “Our home at one of the most recognized airports in the world – Oshkosh – shows the community and possibilities that local airports create. Any opportunity to share the story of legendary airports, such as in this book, is a pathway to engaging more people in the wonderful world of flight.” Jack J. Pelton, CEO/Chairman, Experimental Aircraft Association-EAA. “Airports, like airplanes, have personalities. Some are larger than life, others diminutive. But each precious airport is distinct. America's Amazing Airport gives us a look at what makes airports – a vital asset of this country – so unique and inspiring.” Ben Sclair, Publisher, General Aviation News.

Genre(s): Nonfiction, History, Young Adult

Format(s): Soft cover, Kindle

ISBN/ASIN: 978169923756

Short Season by DJ Scott

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Author's Synopsis: He watched his unit die for their country. Now he may have to do it again. Navy medical officer Mike McGregor hates the human cost of war. After barely surviving a top-secret mission in Iraq, the loss of his team leaves him bitter and wary of authority. But when a Yemeni warlord steals six Russian nukes, McGregor doesn't hesitate to head back into combat.

Thrown together with an aggressive female Marine determined to prove her worth, McGregor worries this assignment will end like the last. And when things go sideways behind enemy lines, his loyalty is torn between duty and the lives of his people.

Can McGregor prevent nuclear disaster and bring his crew out unscathed?

Short Season is a gripping military fiction novel. If you like gritty heroes, action-packed operations, and tough moral dilemmas, then you'll love DJ Scott's compelling tale.

Genre(s): Fiction, Mystery/Thriller

Format(s): Softcover, Kindle

ASIN: B07W6JP1D2, ISBN 10: ‎ 1943290695

Super Grandma and Super Grandpa, The Unknown Superheroes, Book 1 by Christine J. Gilbert

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Author's Synopsis: In the suburbs of the city lived a Super Grandma, Jeanne Classyca, who had two grandchildren. Super Grandma was a special agent, and she had super magical powers. She was a classy lady and believed in eating the right foods and exercising. Not far away downtown in the city lived a Super Grandpa, Patrizio Wannabee, who had three grandchildren. He was a special agent and had super magical powers. He didn't believe in eating healthy or exercising. One would describe him as a bit chunky until Agent Classyca encouraged him to eat healthily and work out. Super Grandma and Super Grandpa were unknown superheroes and worked together on cases involving saving children in danger by using their super magical powers. They each owned a safety training school that taught safety and martial arts to children to make them aware of stranger danger, stop drop and roll, cyberbullying, and more. While they were working on a case, evidence was found in a wooden box, and they discovered their students and grandchildren were in danger. It was up to Super Grandma and Super Grandpa to catch the criminals by using their super magical powers. While they were trying to catch the criminals, something unexpected happened, and their super magical powers may have been handed down to their grandchildren. (Chapter reading ages 7-12)

Genre(s): Fiction, Fantasy/Sci Fi

Format(s): Hardcover, Softcover

ASIN: B0794T2SDW

ISBN: 978-15049-3463-3, ISBN:978-1524639044

Break in the Chain - Intelligence Ignored by Walter Baker

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Author's Synopsis

A riveting combination of war memoir and unique examination of the role of intelligence during the Easter Offensive 1972 written by an intelligence analyst who was there in 1972.

For the first two weeks of the Easter Offensive of 1972, the 571st Military Intelligence Detachment provided the only pertinent collateral intelligence available to American forces. Twice daily, the Detachment provided intelligence to the USS Buchanan (DDG-14), US Navy SEALS, and Special Forces units including tactical and strategic forecasts of enemy movements, information that was otherwise unavailable to U.S. units and advisors in-country.

In the weeks before the offensive, vital agent reports and verbal warnings by the 571st MI Detachment had been ignored by all the major commands; they were only heeded, and then only very reluctantly, once the Offensive began. This refusal to listen to the intelligence explains why no Army or USMC organizations were on-call to recover prisoners discovered or U.S. personnel downed behind enemy lines, as in the BAT-21 incident, as the last two Combat Recon Platoons in Vietnam had been disbanded six weeks before the offensive began. The lessons and experiences of Operation Lam Son 719 in the previous year were ignored, especially with regard to the NVA’s tactical use of tanks and artillery. In his memoir, Bob Baker, the only trained military intelligence analyst with the 571st MI Detachment in 1972, reveals these and other heroics and blunders during a key moment in the Vietnam War.

Genre(s): History

Format(s): Hard cover, Kindle

ISBN-13 : ‎ 978-1612009919

ASIN ‏: ‎ B097HSHH8C

Rusty, The Wonder Dog by Jesse Hillman

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Author's Synopsis: "Rusty, the Wonder Dog" is the story of a blind rescue puppy, who came to live with his humans and found a good life full of treats, warm blankets and plenty of petting and love. Rusty wandered off as a little puppy chasing a butterfly, and he had a close brush with a car on the highway. He could only see shadows after that, but he could hear anything and smell anything miles away! He made friends with Isis, the Siamese cat, Dasha, a great guard dog, and Alphie, who was rescued as he stood on the yellow line of a highway. They seemed to know quickly that Rusty couldn't see. They guided him down the back steps into the yard. Alphie would run ahead and bark so Rusty would follow. Dasha would walk him shoulder to shoulder down the steps. Then they'd run as fast as they could to the back fence and screech to a halt and run back. Rusty loved to place his nose on his human's knee and beg for a treat. And it always worked! Isis the cat loved to pounce on him which made Alphie and Dasha laugh. The four of them would line up in front of the TV to watch it while Rusty listened. He lived with his humans and loved them as much as they loved him. Over that time, slowly Isis, Dasha and Alphie left their mom and dad and followed the rainbow. One day, it was Rusty's turn to follow a pretty butterfly to the rainbow. On the other side, his friends were waiting for him. They play and run every day in the green grass, sniff the flowers, and snuggle together.

Genre(s): Picture Book

Format(s): Hard cover, Soft cover

ISBN/ASIN: 978-1-7361525-1-5, 978-1-7361525-2-2

Running Into The Sunset by Wilson Trueheart

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Author's Synopsis:

Running into the Sunset is about my 30 plus years of running and road racing. It is about running and racing on the streets, the trails, and at the lake. The book is about triumphs, setbacks, recovery, and redemption. It is a collection of poems and essays about running in Baltimore City. It is available at Archway Publishing.Com and Amazon.com. It is a must-read for those with an interest in running and racing.

Genre(s): Nonfiction, Poetry Book

Format(s): Soft cover, Kindle

ISBN/ASIN: 978-1-4808-9561-4, 978-1-4808-9562-1 ebook

True Feathers by Carolyn Patrick

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Author's Synopsis

True Feathers recounts the author's strides and strifes as a warrior in the US Air Force approaching the end of her career. Told through the allegorical lens of Coo, a dove who finds herself born seemingly out of place, we watch as she leaves behind the only life she has ever known in search of her true self. After befriending a wise old beach mouse, Coo begins to make peace with her past and finds she has the ability to create a much brighter future. Coo's realization echoes that of the author as she reflects on her past using insights from yoga philosophy and the healing powers of storytelling. True Feathers is a lyrical fable of authenticity, connection, and peace.

ISBN/ASIN: 9781087953281

Formats: Soft cover, Kindle, ePub/iBook

Genre: Literary Fiction

Pages: 178

Adverse Effects by Joel Shulkin

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Author’s Synopsis:

Determined to help her amnesiac patients recover their lives, Boston psychiatrist Cristina Silva is achieving near-miraculous results by prescribing Recognate, a revolutionary new memory-recovery drug now in trials. She understands her patients' suffering better than most because she's lost her memories, too. Desperate to become herself again, she pops the same experimental drug she prescribes to her patients. And, like them, she remembers a little more each day.

Until one of her patients, a successful accountant jumps from an eight-story window to his death. And as Cristina's memories return, with them come violent visions and an incessant voice in her head. Maybe the drug isn't safe after all. But discontinuing it would mean forgetting everything she's recalled and losing herself.

Then an enigmatic, possibly dangerous man appears at Cristina's bus stop. He seems to know more about her life than she does and says she holds a secret that puts her life in danger. Perilously balanced between an unknown past and a terrifying future, if she wants to survive, Cristina must stay on the medication and unlock those memories before it's too late -- even if the adverse effects of the drug could destroy her.

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Format(s): Hardcover, Kindle, ePub/iBook, Audiobook

ISBN/ASIN 978-1-0941-9254-3

I'd Walk With My Friends If I Could Find Them

Review

Three soldiers brought together by the war in Afghanistan, and after one fateful event none can erase from memory, Wintric, Dax, and Torres struggle to return to normalcy in the country for which they fought.

In his novel, I'd Walk With My Friends If I Could Find Them, Jesse Goolsby depicts the lives of three men fighting personal demons after their return from war.  Goolsby pens flawed, loathsome, and lovable characters who burrow their essence into the reader's mind, and become more real than neighbors.  His story spans decades, weaving through time and place, and comes out on the other end as a satisfying read; one which haunts far after the last page is turned.  Even now, I find myself wondering about the characters, wishing for their peace, and missing them.

I'd Walk With My Friends If I Could Find Them is a heart-wrenching narrative of revenge, redemption, and release.  The tale is all too real and relatable by generations of soldiers who've returned from the battlefield, and their families who witness the battles still raging within. I enjoyed this book, title and all.  I found it to be one of the best of its kind.  I look forward to reading Jesse Goolsby's next book.

Author: Jesse Goolsby
ISBN: 978-0-544-38098-1
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Cover Design: Brian Moore
Reviewed by: Sandra Miller Linhart; 29 November 2015