#IHaveYourBack – Rosepoint Publishing

Rosepoint Reviews - April Recap

I’ve always enjoyed May—still some transition weather—but generally warming and the kick-off of my gardening activities, both veggies and flower bed. (The fairy garden has been hit by gremlins.) I did manage to get in both seeds and seedlings. Unfortunately, that was followed quickly by a Spring freeze. I’ll be replacing tomatoes and peppers.

For those following Punkin the Pom, we are still one step forward, two back. This poor little thing…only Heaven (and the breeder) knows her history. Hoping she is gradually gaining a little trust in us while trying ever so subtly now to push her boundaries a bit as she still spends most of her days safely ensconced in her crate (almost seven months now). We took her to a groomer who cut all her guard hair off down to her undercoat. I told her I didn’t want it that short, but she now looks like a little puff ball.

This year is flying by; where did April go? We read and reviewed thirteen books in April. Leaning more heavily on audiobooks and burning through two to each I read. I’ll be catching up with a few of those reviews soon!

In the meantime, links on titles are to our reviews that include purchase or source information.

Rosepoint Reviews-April Recap

The Mystery Writer by Sulari Gentill
Down Range by Taylor Moore (audiobook)
Ahab and Jezebel by Joseph Bringman (CE review)
Blood Mountain by Alisa Lynn Valdés
The Hunter by Tana French (audiobook)
I Have Your Back by Tom Sileo (CE review)
Closer Than You Think by Jean Grainger
The Drifter by Nick Petrie (audiobook)
The Debt Collector by Steven Max Russo (CE review)
The Heaven Spot by Mary Frances Hill (book tour)
Iron Lake by William Kent Krueger (audiobook)
The Boys Are Back in Town by Karl Kling (CE review)
The Wharton Plot by Mariah Fredericks

Favorite Book of the Month

I had several books that I just couldn’t quite give all five stars—but the CE thoroughly enjoyed one. So he gets the nod for favorite of April.

Book of the Month for April—The Debt Collector

My Reading Challenges page, as always, is behind. I’ll get to it after the garden is in. Not unsurprising, the Goodreads Challenge is five books behind schedule at 44 of 150. (See excuse noted above.)

May is solid and I’m planning on having a multiple review post shortly. Of course, I’m also looking forward to doing some bike riding. My first of the year ride had some muscles screaming at me—we lose it so fast in the winter—don’t we?

Welcome to my new subscribers. I’m loving getting in some blog hopping and looking forward to spending time with more of you.

k-luv-u-bye

How an American Soldier Became an International Hero

Book Blurb:

The story of U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Michael Ollis, who became an international hero for his courage and selflessness.

Ever since he was a young boy growing up on the streets of Staten Island, New York, Michael Ollis wanted to be a soldier. Inspired by his father, who fought in Vietnam, Mike’s deep desire to serve was cemented on the day his beloved city was attacked. From 9/11 onward, Mike’s one and only mission was to save lives.

After two tense combat deployments, Staff Sergeant Michael Ollis earned the US Army’s coveted Ranger tab and set his sights on the perilous mountains of eastern Afghanistan. On August 28, 2013, Mike was suddenly caught in the middle of a massive and unprecedented Taliban assault on a coalition military base. Rather than retreat to his bunker, Mike decided to fight. He then encountered a Polish army officer who needed his help.

Despite being surrounded by enemy fighters while running low on ammunition, Mike promised the foreign soldier that no matter what, he would have his back. For his final act of bravery, Staff Sergeant Michael Ollis would not only receive the Distinguished Service Cross from his own country, but the highest honor that Poland can bestow upon an allied soldier.

As an American warrior, Staff Sergeant Michael Ollis had all of our backs. This vivid and visceral account of Mike’s selfless 24-year journey will motivate us to “live like Mike” by always putting family, friends and country first.

His Review:

US Army Staff Sergeant Michael Ollis loved to play soldier as a boy. He loved his dad and wanted to emulate his successful career in the army. He rose through the ranks and became a very successful squad leader in Afghanistan. His primary focus was the mission and bringing all of his squad back safely.

The Afghanistan war was a direct result of the Taliban attacking our country on 9/11. The soldiers were assisting the Afghanistan army in learning how to protect their people and maintain their fledgling democracy. The Taliban hates us for this action and would dearly love to destroy our democracy and way of life.

Staff Sergeant Ollis was always drilling and reviewing tactics to keep his men prepared and safe. On the day he was critically wounded he got his men into a secure compound and left them to help secure the perimeter after a car bomb attack breached the perimeter. The action saved the life of a Polish soldier; Second Lieutenant Karol Cierpica.

The accomplishments of this Staten Island, New York native are stellar. Our country has been blessed with soldiers who gave their all that their fellow soldiers may live. Hopefully, Congress will review his file and upgrade his medal to the Congressional Medal of Honor. He deserves to be in the company of fellow heroes including Sergeant Audie Murphy. 4.5 stars – CE Williams

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with the opportunity to read and review this book. Any opinions expressed here are my own.

Rosepoint Publishing: Four point Five Stars

Book Details:

Genre: Biographies of the Afghan War, Afghan War History, Afghan War Biographies
Publisher: St Martin’s Press
ASIN: B0CGRZJXLB
Publication Date: June 4, 2024
Source: Publisher and NetGalley

Title Link(s):

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

The Author: Tom Sileo is author of the upcoming I HAVE YOUR BACK (St. Martin’s Press, 2024) and BE BOLD (Fidelis, 2022). He is co-author of THREE WISE MEN (St. Martin’s, 2021), 8 SECONDS OF COURAGE (Simon & Schuster, 2017), FIRE IN MY EYES (Hachette, 2016) and BROTHERS FOREVER (Hachette, 2014). Tom is represented by the WordServe Literary Agency. He is a contributing senior editor of The Stream and recipient of the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation’s General Oliver P. Smith Award for distinguished reporting. Follow Tom on Twitter @TSileo.