A novel so good I had to share with the CE. His review below.
Book Blurb:
From the bestselling author of Submerged: Life on a Fast Attack Submarine in the Last Days of the Cold War.
In the spring of 2001, Hiram Bleeker, a lonely, guilt-wracked Vietnam veteran with severe PTSD, is holding a gun to his mouth. As he is about to pull the trigger, an enchanting woman who does not seem to be of this world introduces him to something that restores his soul—rescuing immigrants in the desert and flying them over the internal checkpoints of the US Border Patrol in southwest Texas. As he flies immigrants in his small plane and saves them from the killing dehydration and heat of the Texas desert, the darkness in his heart begins to fade. But when America is attacked on September 11, it succumbs to fear and hysteria. What was once a simple act of human kindness is now a serious crime against the state, potentially a capital offense. Hiram must woo the love of his life and elude the clutches of the Border Patrol while flying over the desolate and hostile plains of Texas. In this book, you will learn about the healing power of love, redemption through sacrifice, and how to hot-wire an airplane.
My Review:
Don’t you just love that title?
I’ll confirm first thing that the novel delivers on the title. Okay, yes, I’m attracted to stories first about dogs and also Vietnam veterans since my husband is one—the latter, of course. So, with that title and the promising blurb, I had to read this one.
I loved Hiram Bleeker who returns from service with PTSD, guilt-wracked, and with no close discernible support. His failure to end it all comes when he begins to transport rescue animals for delivery to their forever homes. And he does this, finding satisfaction in saving so many canine lives for some time.
It’s when he is approached to rescue humans in desperate circumstances that the whole operation becomes dicey. Each mission is unique and comes with perilous circumstances. His plane is a mess and often provides misgivings even from his passengers, but he loves her and knows her inside and out and can wrench out some death-defying aerobatics.
In the meantime, he meets a lady with whom some serious chemistry evolves. Most of my readers know I’m not big on romance, but I loved Lucy. Cerebral and well versed in most subjects, there is a magical quality about her that mystifies Hiram. The author has created an endearing, charismatic character who is equal to Hiram’s, both empathetic and forceful. She becomes a staunch supporter, an advocate, rallying around his undertaking to provide life support for fleeing immigrants.
“Another day with Lucy, another stop on the train to Weirdville. ‘Well, I’ve never seen a luggage rack on a hearse!’“
The storyline provides scenes of desolate vistas, heat-ravaged Texas landscapes, along with the life-threatening wretched conditions of those seeking sanctuary.
“…You have been classified as an Enemy Combatant.”
”What’s that?”“It’s something we invented. Orwell was right: Control the language, control the narrative, control the population…”
The authorities are relentless and often brutal while the narrative shares in equal measure the support of humanity from unexpected resources.
The novel carries themes of compassion, courage, and redemption. A unique and emotional tale of liberation more than political commentary. The action-packed climax is satisfying and provides closure as well as food for thought.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with the opportunity to read and review this book. Any opinion expressed here is my own. Heartily recommended!
My Rating: Five Stars 
His Review:
There are many dogs to be rescued in Texas. Hiram, a Vietnam veteran and pilot, has been flying these animals in his old Cessna 172 from the Texas border to a rescue for years. Prior to that, his life was a constant swirl downward and he decided life was not worth living.
He could completely dismantle the plane and reassemble it as necessary. His job transporting rescue dogs from Texas to the northern states saved many animals’ lives and kept his old plane flying.
He is approached by a lady who wishes to have a few desperate families flown from Mexico into various locations in the states. A quick flight of a few hundred miles and the cargo was delivered into the country without dealing with U.S. Customs but the Customs Agents became aware and want to shut his operation down and destroy his relic of an airplane.
This story moves well and paints the Border Patrol as little more than a lawless group of thugs. The overall storyline is very entertaining and enlightening. Enjoy! 5 stars – CE Williams
His Rating: Five Stars
Book Details:
Genre: Absurdist Fiction, Metaphysical Fiction, Political Fiction
ASIN: B0DHV4VVHX
Print Length: 346 pages
Publication Date: June 1, 2025
Source: Publisher and NetGalley
Title Link(s):
Amazon-US | Amazon-UK
The Author: Henry Rausch graduated from Stanford University and after earning a commission at Officer Candidate School reported to USS L Mendel Rivers (SSN-686) in August 1985. There he served as an Engineering Assistant, Communicator, and Sonar Officer. The ship conducted four classified missions for which they were awarded the Meritorious Unit Citation, two Navy Expeditionary Medals, and the Arctic Service Ribbon. After that tour he served as Weapons Officer onboard USS Sunfish (SSN 649) which conducted deployments in the North Atlantic and Mediterranean. He left active service and served in the Reserves, primarily in NATO Submarine Command and Control. He retired as a Commander in 2005 with 22 years of service and lives with his wife in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. He enjoys outdoor activities and flying small planes and has over 3800 hours of experience as a pilot in command.
©2025 V Williams – CE Williams
Rosepoint Publishing 