How far would you be willing to go if you were chasing freedom?
When Allie Santiago, international scholar at Oregon State University, and her family are captured and labor trafficked by the same drug cartel that drove her father from Mexico, she learns the cartel thugs plan to sell her to human traffickers. Allie escapes, running a marathon through the mountains of Northern California, and collapses in the arms of Jeff Jacobs, a disgraced Olympic decathlete who wants to regain both his honor and his former glory. When Jeff’s actions engage the FBI and US Marshals to protect Allie and free her family from the cartel, a war breaks out in the mountains along the Oregon-California border.
Will Jeff’s efforts enable the two to survive and their budding relationship to grow? Not unless he can keep Allie and her family out of the black hole known as asylum detention. And the reward he now seeks for his efforts, Allie’s love, might evaporate like his dream of Olympic gold once Allie learns about Jeff’s scandalous past.
Chasing Freedom, a modern-day story of honor and courage, faith and love, and the importance of family.
H L Wegley's stories are always Christian and always inspirational, with a climate of suspense and a forecast of stormy weather. What else would you expect from a Meteorologist?
He published a high-action, romantic suspense, 4-book series through Pelican Book Group. The stories include cyber -espionage, human trafficking, and cyber terrorism, all written to CBA standards.
His award-winning, 3-book, political thriller series, with romance (also CBA-compliant), released across the year 2016. Book 1, Voice in the Wilderness, Gold Medal winner in Readers' Favorite awards, is currently on Amazon with numerous reviews. Book 2, Voice of Freedom, Silver Medal winner in Readers' Favorite awards, released in late May 2016, and Book 3, Chasing Freedom (The Prequel), released in October 2016.
In addition to his scientific publications, H. L. Wegley has published 2 non-fiction books, including his Boomer book, Colby and Me: Growing up in the '50s.
In the USAF H. L. Wegley served as an Intelligence Analyst, working closely with NSA and, after obtaining a degree in Meteorology, served as a Weather Officer. Upon leaving the military, he worked as a forecaster and a Research Scientist in Atmospheric Physics, where he published scientific articles, reports, and books. After earning an MS in Computer Science, he worked more than two decades developing large-scale computing systems for Boeing before retiring in the Seattle where he resides with his wife and where he writes. He is currently finishing his 12th manuscript.
Chasing Freedom, written by H.L. Wegley, is book 3 in Against All Enemies series, yet it is a prequel to the series...a different way to read a series, but very successfully written in that it is...perfecto!
Wegley takes us from book 1 (KC & Brock's story) and book 2 (Julia & Steve's) to what starts off all of the series with how Jeff and Allie met. Wowser, what a read. While the first two books seemed very political (American) in the way they were written, Chasing Freedom is still political in that there are many (American) government agencies utilized in the process of this story developing...but it crosses over from American government and agencies to another country being involved too. Wegley shows the reader through his characters truth, honesty, integrity (or lack of it), love of family and also the importance of faith in Christ.
We already know Allie & Jeff from the previous stories, but we are privileged in finding out what made them who they were...and boy will you want to get into it! I couldn't put it down. Wegley has an awesome way of grabbing the reader with his way with words and keeping you hooked until the end. I was somewhat skeptical because we already knew that Allie and Jeff were together and that made me think that maybe this just might not be my "cup of tea" kind of book. I like to be surprised a bit with the ending...NOT disappointed in the least with this read! Wegley kept the action going from the first page until he tied the knot on this perfectly compiled series with his last paragraph! It took me on a suspense trip that led me through some places I recognized and some I didn't and the ever edge of my seat experience! Just loved it!
I have read all three books of this series and recommend each one. You will Not be disappointed!
My review today is on the Political Thriller, Chasing Freedom. This is the prequel to Against All Enemies. I really enjoy this author's work. This book is awesome and I know you are all going to love it. It's well written, action packed, and really difficult to put down. It's a must read.
Alejandra Santiago, Allie, was to meet her father at a restaurant in Redding, California. She parked her car at the meeting place and got out of the car. As she walks across the parking lot someone grabs her from behind. She fought the man until he threatened her little brother if didn't quit. She was then drugged and taken to a marijuana plantation. She manages to escape but is chase by two men from the Sinaloa Cartel. They hold her family. She must find a way to get them free. She is rescued by a young man. Could this man help her? How can they save her family?
Jeff Jacob was once a Olympian, he was the country's hope for the decathlon gold medal until one stupid mistake cost him everything. He is training again hoping for another chance at a medal. He is running on an old logging road when he hears a strange sound and all the wild life is suddenly still. A woman suddenly comes into view wheezing as she runs. She runs straight to Jeff, "Help me ! Please" she cried. She pitches forward but he catches her. Two men are chasing her with assault rifles. Jeff picks her up and runs with her back to the little town of O'Brien. He's shot in the arm as he runs but manages to get them to his home where he calls in the FBI. The cartel refuses to cease their pursuit.
A journey of terror as they are chased through the woods and up mountains. God has a plan for these two; a plan for a hope and a future. God has a plan for you too, a good plan and not for evil. Give Him your heart and watch Him work in your life.
I think we all need a good reminder from time to time that many people in other parts of the world have a deep longing to come to the United States to enjoy the freedoms we take for granted. Their goal is to have a better life for themselves and their posterity. Unfortunately for us and for them, evil pervades every part of our world and some few will do all in their power to destroy the good that inhabits the heart and soul of billions of others. Their greed, lust, and depravity drives them to control and use everyone they can and to eradicate any who would stand up to them. In this story, Jeff Jacobs, who has been beaten down once, comes to the aid of a family who has nothing but each other. The Santiagos thought they were escaping the drug cartel in Mexico when they came to the United States. Sadly, they fell into the trap so many other unsuspecting people have found themselves in. Jeff has a goal of being reinstated as an Olympic competitor but when Allie Santiago literally falls into his arms one day as he is running to train for his comeback, his world is suddenly turned upside down and intertwined with hers and the rest of the Santiago family. Obviously, not every situation is as dramatic as this one. The message I got from the book is that not all illegal immigrants in our country came with evil intent as seems to be a popular viewpoint among many these days. Quite possibly a large number came believing as the Santiagos did that they had come legally and learned after it was too late that they had been duped. We need a lot of people like Jeff Jacobs who will fight for the downtrodden and stand up against the bullies of the world. What a great story that delivers a message while thrilling the reader with faith, romance, excitement, action, and suspense.
Allie and Jeff their story. Cartels in Nogales were making threats against her father and Benjamin her brother. She goes to the meeting place and is stopped by brutal hands and a needle into her leg. Jeff is training at home, with throwing the javelin. While out running, a moan and then he see’s the woman. The voices of men wanting her, made him pick her and run for safety. Praying and running to get her to safety. The cartel was extracting money from the business owner, until her father wanted to organize a group to find a way to stop the cartel. Death threats started last month. A story that takes you into the grips of when a person doesn’t have freedom, that others are controlling you and wanting to get more money and whatever they can illegally. A plot that draws you, and you are there with Jeff and Allie.
Very cliche and sickly sweet to the point of ridiculous
This was my first read by this author and I'm pretty sure it's my last. I got through 60% before I couldn't go on. I browsed the rest. It was painful. The characters and dialogue were one dimensional. The story, while having great potential, was cliche and largely unbelievable. I am a big fan of waiting until marriage, but to not even kiss before? The FBI guys were not believable or professional at all. They aren't chaperones, they're protectors. What was up with everyone instantly being attracted to Allie? If one more guy told Jeff how lucky he was...And don't get me started on the courtroom scene with that ridiculous judge! Language was outdated (people today probably don't even know what a hat pin is, let alone carry one around). Probably an entertaining read for the Baby Boomer generation.
A new author for me, but in reading this book, would like to read the rest of the series to get all the background. A hard subject to address, catel, drugs, migrant workers. A family faced with challenges no family should face. Family loyality, love, acceptance all happen on the way to true love. This book deals with some real issues that are very much at play into days world. But the author brought it all together in a way that made sense to me.
A Mexican beauty runs into a runner and finds love.
Loved getting into Allie and Jeff story. The excitement started when Allie ran into Jeff and never stopped. Jeff became Allie protector. She became the love of his life. They had a lot of bad men to deal with. But they had the FBI help and a good lawyer. Enjoyed hearing about the other couples too. I still have to read Julia and Steve story. But so happy to read the good ending for all. Will read more by this author.
Like the first 2 books in this series, it kept you on the edge. Not only are the books thrillers our author has included some topnotch professional sports and an elite military group. A lot of the political background is what we see happening to our country at this time!!!!
This author has a flare for writing thrillers and this doesn't this book doesn't disappoint. It centers around conspiracy with characters that come to life. It is a real page turner. The setting is based on real places. While being action packed there is no foul language. Budding romance is faith based which is refreshing.
A great story but so sad that much of the immigration issues are true. Today I feel they are even worse. The most important part of all this series is God's faithfulness and a relationship with Him is the freedom we seek.
Couldn't put it down! Very good locations and action. Characters realistically developed. I learned things I didn't know and enjoyed the clean con very much. Well done!
WOW!!! What a series. The author has outdone himself. I don't think I will ever read another suspense book without remembering these books. WAY TO GO, MR. WEGLEY!!!!!!!
Wonderful... Exciting... Another definite winner. Loved everything about it. Especially, the way he handles sensitive things and the way God is incorporated in the stories.
Drug cartels, human trafficking, dishonest officials, arrogant power hungry officials all converge on Allie, her family and her rescuer. With help from the FBI and a friendly lawyer they face impossible odds.
Loved every single one of these books. Loved the camaraderie of all the friends and the relationship they had with the Father. Also appreciated the history insights shared throughout all the books.
I could not out my kindle down! All three books in the series in two days. They are my family now. I am going to miss them! Absolutely loved the books!
These three books were All excellent. Their story line was so absorbing. The characters came alive. I enjoyed the books from the first page to the last
"Chasing Freedom" by H.L. Wegley is the third and final book in the (Against All Enemies) series and I think it is my favorite.
I have read all three books in this series and they are all full of love and suspension. Chasing Freedom, is a modern-day story of honor and courage, faith and love, and the importance of family.
Allie and Jeff meet under dangerous conditions. Allie and her family are captured and labor trafficked by the same drug cartel that drove her father from Mexico, and Allie is running and trying to help and she collapses in Jeff's arms and from there the romance begins.
This story is clean but does look at the U.S. immigration system from the point of view of a family being abused by it. The violence described in the book is very minimum.
The author does tell in the start of the book he recommends that you skip the epilogue and the final ending if you haven't read the other two books, till you read the other books, and since I have read all three I have to say I agreed with Him, as reading these first they are spoiler alerts.
I really really recommend reading these three books and if you do I say you will be a fan of H. L. Wegley also!
If you want to read a book or books, that really keep you guessing on what IS GOING TO HAPPEN NEXT or how the book is going to end, then ( Against All Enemies) should be your next read.
I really enjoyed Allie and Jeff's story as well as the other two couples in these books.
I say pick up these three books today and be inspired by love and be reminded again of what God does for His people, and be reminded of what a great country we live in despite the struggles and wrongs in this great country we live in.
I was given a complimentary copy by the author and these opinions are my own.
Action packed does not begin to describe this! You follow with Jeff and Allie down a mountain, then back up and back down and then sideways. The politics shown on both sides is portrayed believably. The back story of Jeff makes you wonder how easily it is to be held in distain for something that you are actually innocent of. I loved this series even though action is not my usual genre. This book could stand by itself but I highly recommend all three. I was given a copy of this book for my honest review.
What a great story. Loved Allie and Jeff's story. What a way to meet, being chased by a drug cartel. Lives in danger. And a love story to boot. Highly recommend. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.