Review of Firewall by DiAnn Mills

About the book …

After a whirlwind romance, Taryn Young is looking forward to her honeymoon. But while separated from her new husband at the airport, she becomes victim to a bombing. Not only does she awaken in the hospital to discover her husband is missing, FBI agents suspect the two of them may have had something to do with the bombing that killed and injured countless people. Determined to find her husband and prove their innocence, Taryn goes on the run. But the FBI isn’t alone in chasing her, and she begins to fear her husband isn’t the man she thought he was.

FBI agent Grayson Hall has a gut feeling that Taryn is telling the truth—she’s not a terrorist. But her role in developing new software that could be highly dangerous (and make a fortune for whoever controls it) could be the reason behind the deaths that follow her. Who is chasing her? And what do they intend to do with knowledge?

When Taryn has nowhere else to go, and Grayson believes she may help him find answers, they have to no choice but to trust each other. But as they face danger and work toward a common goal, they must also put aside their growing attraction for each other …

My review …

Taryn is a worthy heroine. Beautiful, loyal, and smart. But we also discover some interesting and unexpected things about her. Who would suspect that a quiet, introverted, software developer would run from the FBI in her own pursuit for the truth—or that she’s a skilled martial artist?

Grayson serves well as a hero. Handsome and a competent FBI agent, he’s willing to take risks with his career and follow his gut instincts. A man of faith, he also reveals the deeper side to his personality. He shares that faith with Taryn without being pushy, and it helps her to rediscover her yearning for God. I like Grayson's gentle approach and care for Taryn and how their feelings grow for each other naturally as they face life and death situations together. I also love Grayson’s retired FBI agent uncle and the relationship he has with his nephew.

As always, DiAnn Mills takes readers on an adventure. The story is fast paced and the well-thought out plot contains several twists. I enjoy a few surprises. Extensive research into the FBI and the type of technology that drives the story makes it believable.

If you enjoy inspirational, romantic suspense, I highly recommend you read Firewall.

Dawn

DISCLOSURE: I was graciously provided a copy of Firewall by the author. I was not required to write a positive review, and the opinions I have expressed are my own.

DiAnn Mills is the bestselling author of more than fifty-five books. Her novels have won Christy Awards and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, and Carol award contests. In addition to her writing, DiAnn speaks and teaches writing workshops around the country. She and her husband live in Houston, Texas. Visit her online at www.diannmills.com

Leaping Out in Faith

What do we do when things are messed up and not going our way? Who do we turn to for support? Where does faith come in?

One Sunday, my pastor mentioned the impala in his sermon, which is thought to be the most elegant African antelope. Typically, a running impala will jump over anything in its path. It can clear bushes and other obstacles by soaring some 10 feet in the air, and with one leap it can cover distances up to 33 feet. But the animal will not jump over a solid three-foot fence because it can’t see where it will land.

Wow! Don’t we often live like that?

I like to see where I’m going … I like to know what’s ahead and what to expect. If I know what I’m up against, I can deal with pretty much anything. But the unknowns? They can be a little scary because …

I could fail.

I might look foolish.

A mistake could be made.

The result may be different than what I hoped.

If I leap … who will ensure a soft landing?

And if I jump into a deep hole, will anyone be there to pull me out?

But that's what faith is about—believing that despite what happens, we'll okay. We trust our spouses to stick with us through tough times. We trust our parents to love us, no matter what we do.

Our faith in God comes from believing and trusting that even though we can’t see the future—we don’t know what will happen in the next three days, three hours, or three minutes—God does. We have faith that he not only knows what’s best for us, he’s there to help us accomplish whatever tasks he’s set before us.

God created the impala to soar through the air. He’s also given us the tools and abilities to meet challenges, reach our goals, pursue dreams and follow our calling. We can leap into the unknown because God is on the other side of the fence, ready to help us. Our feet will find solid ground.

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” (Hebrews 11:1 NIV)

What steps are you taking to leap out in faith today?

You’re not moving forward? What’s holding you back?

Dawn

Enough Faith to Move Mountains

What if you needed barely any faith at all to accomplish great things?

Do you think you’d try a little harder—a little longer to reach your goals?

Would you give more power to your imagination? Feel free to dream bigger dreams?

This photo above was taken in Brooklyn, New York, while visiting my daughter. On a long walk we spotted this plant growing above our heads. It was difficult to fathom how there could be enough dirt for roots to take hold and absorb any kind of nourishment. Yet, vegetation grew!

The wind had probably carried the beginning of its life there. But God provided enough dirt, sun, and rain for the seed to not only survive, but thrive. Even in this bizarre location!

Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say

to this mountain, “Move from here to there,” and it will move. Nothing will

be impossible for you.  ~ Matt. 17:20 NIV

You don’t need enough faith to fill an ocean for God to answer the desires of your heart. You’re not required to live without doubt or fear in order for God to use you in wonderful ways.

He only asks that you have enough faith to step out and be willing to try—he’ll do the rest.

Dawn

The Hallmark Series – Signed, Sealed, Delivered

My TV viewing is pretty eclectic—it ranges from series about cops, CSIs, and lawyers to science fiction and Masterpiece Theater. I don’t care for silly shows or anything overly sweet or predictable. But I do have a fondness for the Hallmark channel and some of the new series being produced.

My latest guilty pleasure is Hallmark’s Signed, Sealed, Delivered series. The creative force is Martha Williamson, the same person behind Touched By An Angel.

The setting is a post office where four employees track down intended recipients of undeliverable mail (due to addresses that are missing or mutilated). The USP service actually has dead letter departments, now called “mail recovery centers.” However, I’m sure any of these real departments aren’t anywhere similar to the fictional one created for this show.

These four mail detectives go to unusual lengths to deliver the mail, and they end up getting involved in the lives of the people who both send and receive delayed letters or packages. The results save lives, solve crimes, and reunite people.

The characters are endearing . . . Oliver, their leader, is intelligent and commanding. Beneath his old-fashioned attitude and manners is a man of faith who is loyal and kind—a romantic. Shane is the new member of the team; she tries to bring them into the current century with technology.  She and Oliver occasionally have conflicts, but part of that is due to the growing attraction between them. You see, Oliver’s wife left him and has been living in Paris for some time. He’s held out hope that she’ll return, but everyone else realizes that’s not going to happen. Shy Rita has a photographic memory, and Norman is a master at conventional research. They both have feelings for each other, too, but are afraid to admit it.

The story lines aren’t believable, but the mix of humor and drama provide episodes that are both fun and touching.

If you’re looking for TV viewing that makes you feel warm inside, I highly recommend this series—currently showing Sunday nights on the Hallmark channel. Check your local listings.

Dawn