Nightshade by Ronie Kendig - Reviewed & GIVE AWAY!

Nightshade is Ronie Kendig’s second novel, and it serves as the kickoff to a series entitled Discarded Heroes. Ronie’s books are designed to make you realize that those who serve our country often pay a high price for their patriotism. While some pay the ultimate price when they lay down their lives, those left to return to their “real” lives after service deal with heartache and difficulty that is almost unimaginable to those of us who have never faced the horrors of war. Max Jacobs story is featured in Nightshade, and as a former Navy SEAL, his attempts to readjust to civilian life are far from heroic.

I have to confess, even though the entire premise of Nightshade is built upon creation of the ultimate Black-Ops group, the opening scene that introduces Max to the opportunity to serve as a member is a bit cloak-and-dagger. It works for the story, but personally I had to reach more toward a James Bond mentality there at the beginning. However, once I learned of Max’s personal troubles, I gained perspective for his struggles, and I was soon drawn into the story. Max’s wife, Sydney, is another major player in this story, and their stories are put in tandem throughout most of the book.

Sydney’s return to her journalistic career proves to be almost as emotionally and physically dangerous as Max’s role in Nightshade’s covert operations. The reader is allowed to experience this struggle from both sides of this relationship, and that provides the believable foundation for the story. The reader bounces back and forth between the two until, ultimately, the stories converge and build to a very climactic ending. I think those that love romantic suspense will be well pleased.

Nightshade is a suspenseful read, but the primary focus rests upon the personal struggles “discarded” heroes face as they attempt to return to civilian life. I think this story explores some realistic struggles that everyone needs to consider when they think and pray for those who choose to serve our country. Their service costs them dearly in many ways. It is, and always has been, the price for freedom.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Ronie Kendig grew up an Army brat, married a veteran, and they now have four children and a Golden Retriever. She has a BS in Psychology, speaks to various groups, volunteers with the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), and mentors new writers. Ronie can be found at www.roniekendig.com .

I HAVE AN EXTRA COPY OF THIS BOOK TO GIVE AWAY! IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR AN EXCITING READ WITH A POWERFUL MESSAGE LEAVE YOUR NAME AND CONTACT INFORMATION IN THE COMMENTS ON THIS POST TO BE ENTERED TO WIN A FREE COPY! I'LL DRAW A WINNER NEXT WEEK.