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SEAL of Protection #8.5
Schutz für Alabamas Kinder (SEALs of Protection 12)
Obwohl Tommy erst zehn Jahre alt ist, hat er schon mehr Grausamkeiten ertragen müssen als manch anderer sein ganzes Leben. Als er nun bei Abe und Alabama Powers ein neues, liebevolles Zuhause findet, keilt er aus. Er ist ängstlich, verwirrt, wütend … und davon überzeugt, dass auch diese neuen Pflegeeltern ihn über kurz oder lang wieder wegschicken werden. Niemand will einen Jungen in seinem Alter haben, besonders keinen, der zerbrochen und beschmutzt ist.
Es braucht all die Liebe von Alabama und Abe, die schwesterliche Anbetung von Brinique und Davisa und Abes gesamte SEAL-Familie, um Tommy zu beweisen, dass Güte, Respekt und Freundlichkeit Dinge sind, für die man sich entscheiden kann. Und selbst mit so viel Unterstützung fällt es Tommy schwer zu glauben, dass er eine liebevolle Familie und eine zweite Chance im Leben verdient hat.
Bis ein überaus unerwarteter Freund auftaucht, und zwar in dem Moment, in dem Tommy ihn am nötigsten braucht. Er zeigt dem kleinen Jungen, wie besonders er ist … selbst als ein bisschen Magie nötig ist, um ihn zu überzeugen.
**»Schutz für Alabamas Kinder« ist eine eigenständige Liebesgeschichte. Es ist das zwölfte Buch der Reihe »SEALs of Protection«. Die Geschichte ist in sich abgeschlossen und kann als eigenständiges Buch gelesen werden, es wird jedoch empfohlen, die Bände nacheinander zu lesen, um in den maximalen Genuss der Serie zu kommen.**
Es braucht all die Liebe von Alabama und Abe, die schwesterliche Anbetung von Brinique und Davisa und Abes gesamte SEAL-Familie, um Tommy zu beweisen, dass Güte, Respekt und Freundlichkeit Dinge sind, für die man sich entscheiden kann. Und selbst mit so viel Unterstützung fällt es Tommy schwer zu glauben, dass er eine liebevolle Familie und eine zweite Chance im Leben verdient hat.
Bis ein überaus unerwarteter Freund auftaucht, und zwar in dem Moment, in dem Tommy ihn am nötigsten braucht. Er zeigt dem kleinen Jungen, wie besonders er ist … selbst als ein bisschen Magie nötig ist, um ihn zu überzeugen.
**»Schutz für Alabamas Kinder« ist eine eigenständige Liebesgeschichte. Es ist das zwölfte Buch der Reihe »SEALs of Protection«. Die Geschichte ist in sich abgeschlossen und kann als eigenständiges Buch gelesen werden, es wird jedoch empfohlen, die Bände nacheinander zu lesen, um in den maximalen Genuss der Serie zu kommen.**
131 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 17, 2016
1068 people are currently reading
1105 people want to read
About the author
Susan Stoker
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New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author, Susan Stoker has a heart as big as the state of Tennessee where she lives, but this all American girl has also spent the last fourteen years living in Missouri, California, Colorado, Indiana, and Tennessee. She's married to a retired Army man who now gets to follow her around the country.
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http://www.stokeraces.com/contact-1.html
New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author, Susan Stoker has a heart as big as the state of Tennessee where she lives, but this all American girl has also spent the last fourteen years living in Missouri, California, Colorado, Indiana, and Tennessee. She's married to a retired Army man who now gets to follow her around the country.
Follow SUSAN:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/authorsstoker
www.facebook.com/authorsusanstoker
Instagram: www.instagram.com/authorsusanstoker
Twitter: www.twitter.com/susan_stoker
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/susan...
Amazon: http://amzn.to/238Jw8c
For all upcoming books click here: http://www.stokeraces.com/coming-soon...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 239 reviews
June 25, 2022
I wasn't that wild about adding the imaginary gnome so much in the story. I loved Tommy's story
October 27, 2016
So I just finished this one and can I say it broke my heart from the start!
While pretty predictable, it didn't matter. I found myself having to stop reading when the guys took Tommy aside and laid out their history of the group, did the same later when Tommy finally stepped up and was the brother he was meant to be and again later when he realized that he was well and truly wanted by Abe and Alabama. I was glad that we got the glimpse into the future to see what event the cats were trying to prevent and it made sense that those few days so marked Tommy leading him to the man he was destined to become.
While pretty predictable, it didn't matter. I found myself having to stop reading when the guys took Tommy aside and laid out their history of the group, did the same later when Tommy finally stepped up and was the brother he was meant to be and again later when he realized that he was well and truly wanted by Abe and Alabama. I was glad that we got the glimpse into the future to see what event the cats were trying to prevent and it made sense that those few days so marked Tommy leading him to the man he was destined to become.
September 22, 2025
My Review:
What a great novella that this book turned out to be. I really had a great time with this book. This book has been on my radar since I started this series. I was so intrigued by the blurb of this that I honestly couldn't wait. I love a story that featured children being fostered. And we do get much of the pov in their perspective....although we do see some in Abe's POV as well in later portions of the story. I found it so unique and different than anything I have read from this author before. We see three children who have been fostered and came from not so healthy environments. Their newest addition to their family is a young boy who has been abused both physically, emotionally and sexually. He is hurt and lashes out. So we see him get a companion of sorts....an invisible friend who is a troll and this kinda delves into the paranormal a bit here. So I would say this book could skirt magical realism. We see how this boy learns how to approach his abuse in a healthy way, how to treat his family properly, and how to let go of the anger. I honestly loved this book and it had me in my heart and feels on such a deep level. I didn't want to let go of it. And we get a great epilogue in the end of this boy as an adult and finding his "friend" again and seeing why it was so important for this boy to be saved.
What a great novella that this book turned out to be. I really had a great time with this book. This book has been on my radar since I started this series. I was so intrigued by the blurb of this that I honestly couldn't wait. I love a story that featured children being fostered. And we do get much of the pov in their perspective....although we do see some in Abe's POV as well in later portions of the story. I found it so unique and different than anything I have read from this author before. We see three children who have been fostered and came from not so healthy environments. Their newest addition to their family is a young boy who has been abused both physically, emotionally and sexually. He is hurt and lashes out. So we see him get a companion of sorts....an invisible friend who is a troll and this kinda delves into the paranormal a bit here. So I would say this book could skirt magical realism. We see how this boy learns how to approach his abuse in a healthy way, how to treat his family properly, and how to let go of the anger. I honestly loved this book and it had me in my heart and feels on such a deep level. I didn't want to let go of it. And we get a great epilogue in the end of this boy as an adult and finding his "friend" again and seeing why it was so important for this boy to be saved.
October 7, 2021
Ba65 - per RFS
.
Fenici, è un piacere ritrovare i nostri Seals, anche se questa volta lo svolgimento del libro è un po’ più particolare, c’è magia, e intendo magia vera; quindi troviamo da una parte i nostri forti e bellissimi eroi e dall’altra un Troll piccolo brutto e cicciotello.
Ragazzi, adoro Gamjee, il Troll, che è stato mandato dal mondo magico per aiutare Tommy, il bambino che Alabama e Abe hanno preso dal sistema con l’intenzione di adottarlo. Lui è un piccolo violato che, dopo la morte della madre, ha visto il padre perdersi nella droga e questo bastardo, per potersela procurare, ha iniziato a vendere il figlio.
Odio dal profondo i pedofili e chi maltratta i bambini, anche se quell’uomo (si fa per dire) soffriva per la perdita della moglie, niente, dico niente giustifica quello che ha fatto al figlio.
Tommy mi ha straziato il cuore, anche quando reagiva con cattiveria verso gli altri, avrei voluto stringerlo forte, ma per fortuna Gamjee lo aiuta a vedere la fortuna che ha avuto a trovare qualcuno che gli voglia bene davvero. Tutta la squadra dei Seals che lo sosterranno e gli faranno capire come diventare un uomo.
Purtroppo quando questo piccolo inizia a inserirsi bene nella sua nuova famiglia, il padre si ripresenta e lo rapisce insieme alle sorelline.
Alabama dimostra una grande determinazione quando si tratta di salvare i suoi bambini, non si fa prendere dal panico e chiama subito il marito, che con la sua squadra andrà a riprenderseli.
È un libro che si legge piacevolmente, scritto bene e con una buona traduzione, cosa che in questo periodo non è così scontata.
Fa parte di una serie ma secondo me non è fondamentale conoscere i volumi precedenti, l’autrice riesce a inserire in modo splendido tutte le informazioni che ci servono per poter comprendere i retroscena.
Buona lettura.
.
Fenici, è un piacere ritrovare i nostri Seals, anche se questa volta lo svolgimento del libro è un po’ più particolare, c’è magia, e intendo magia vera; quindi troviamo da una parte i nostri forti e bellissimi eroi e dall’altra un Troll piccolo brutto e cicciotello.
Ragazzi, adoro Gamjee, il Troll, che è stato mandato dal mondo magico per aiutare Tommy, il bambino che Alabama e Abe hanno preso dal sistema con l’intenzione di adottarlo. Lui è un piccolo violato che, dopo la morte della madre, ha visto il padre perdersi nella droga e questo bastardo, per potersela procurare, ha iniziato a vendere il figlio.
Odio dal profondo i pedofili e chi maltratta i bambini, anche se quell’uomo (si fa per dire) soffriva per la perdita della moglie, niente, dico niente giustifica quello che ha fatto al figlio.
Tommy mi ha straziato il cuore, anche quando reagiva con cattiveria verso gli altri, avrei voluto stringerlo forte, ma per fortuna Gamjee lo aiuta a vedere la fortuna che ha avuto a trovare qualcuno che gli voglia bene davvero. Tutta la squadra dei Seals che lo sosterranno e gli faranno capire come diventare un uomo.
Purtroppo quando questo piccolo inizia a inserirsi bene nella sua nuova famiglia, il padre si ripresenta e lo rapisce insieme alle sorelline.
Alabama dimostra una grande determinazione quando si tratta di salvare i suoi bambini, non si fa prendere dal panico e chiama subito il marito, che con la sua squadra andrà a riprenderseli.
È un libro che si legge piacevolmente, scritto bene e con una buona traduzione, cosa che in questo periodo non è così scontata.
Fa parte di una serie ma secondo me non è fondamentale conoscere i volumi precedenti, l’autrice riesce a inserire in modo splendido tutte le informazioni che ci servono per poter comprendere i retroscena.
Buona lettura.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 10, 2021
This one focuses on Abe & Alabama's adopted daughters and the foster son they hoped to adopt. Tommy has been taken away from his abusive drug addict father after it was discovered that the father was charging men to rape his own son!
Tommy can't trust anyone to help him- until a magical creature comes to help him and his "sisters". Yes, that's right- a magical creature. The other books in this series are pretty dark, but believable , but this turn was rather weird. Except for Gamjee, this was also dark with all three experiencing horrors no child should.
The way the abuse was handled was well-done, as was the resulting PTSD- not only for the kids, but also for Alabama herself. I loved "the talk" the SEALS gave Tommy after he devastated Alabama.
Tommy can't trust anyone to help him- until a magical creature comes to help him and his "sisters". Yes, that's right- a magical creature. The other books in this series are pretty dark, but believable , but this turn was rather weird. Except for Gamjee, this was also dark with all three experiencing horrors no child should.
The way the abuse was handled was well-done, as was the resulting PTSD- not only for the kids, but also for Alabama herself. I loved "the talk" the SEALS gave Tommy after he devastated Alabama.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 24, 2020
"Protecting Alabama's Kids" is the tenth book in the SEAL of Protection series. Abe and Alabama have two adopted daughters, Brinique and Davisa and now they are adding Tommy, who has not had the best start in life. Tommy has already been through some foster families so he knows that it is only a matter of time before Abe and Alabama send him back too. That is how Tommy feels and it confuses him, makes him angry and scared. He just cannot believe anyone would want him so he lashes out, anything to let himself not get close to people.
It will take the love of Abe, Alabama, their girls and the whole SEAL team to help Tommy realize that he can and will be a part of a loving family. That despite everything he has been through he is wanted. This one is loaded with family, friends, laughter, sadness, determination and hope with a little magic thrown in.
It will take the love of Abe, Alabama, their girls and the whole SEAL team to help Tommy realize that he can and will be a part of a loving family. That despite everything he has been through he is wanted. This one is loaded with family, friends, laughter, sadness, determination and hope with a little magic thrown in.
October 19, 2016
Fantastic reading
This story is terrific, with a touch of fantasy with lots of real life thrown in. Alabama and Abe adopted two girls(sisters), now they are fostering Tommy, but want to adopt him. Tommy came from a abusive situation with his birth father who's a druggie. Tommy must learn to trust, love and understand that Alabama, Abe, & girls are his family. This book deserves 10 stars hands down!! Exceptional
This story is terrific, with a touch of fantasy with lots of real life thrown in. Alabama and Abe adopted two girls(sisters), now they are fostering Tommy, but want to adopt him. Tommy came from a abusive situation with his birth father who's a druggie. Tommy must learn to trust, love and understand that Alabama, Abe, & girls are his family. This book deserves 10 stars hands down!! Exceptional
October 20, 2016
Very emotional
Susan Stoker has written a book that has taken me on an emotional ride! Sorrow, anger, hope, darkness, light, laughter and above all, love! This is a must read! Thank you Susan Stoker for writing another beautifully emotional story!
Susan Stoker has written a book that has taken me on an emotional ride! Sorrow, anger, hope, darkness, light, laughter and above all, love! This is a must read! Thank you Susan Stoker for writing another beautifully emotional story!
June 28, 2022
This was mainly from the POV of Tommy the newly adopted child of Abe and Alabama. Cute novella, but still has the action one comes to expect from Susan.
This has a bit of fantasy and whimsy, especially for Susan's books, but it was fun and added a bit of humor.
Tommy has had a hard life for his 10 years and his new sister make a wish and an imaginary friend comes to help the kids and help Tommy accept him new life and understand how to process what has happened to him and that he can accept the help of this new family.
I liked that all the adults especially Abe and his buddies didn't treat Tommy like a child. They were up front and had no problems telling him the scary stuff.
I really liked the journey and transition Tommy goes through as he learns to embrace his new family
The cover, while fits with the rest of the series covers, doesn't work with the actually story, and I have this in the romance shelf, but since this is more about the kids and from the kids POV, it is more about family love rather than romantic love.
Really enjoyed the epilogue for this one
This has a bit of fantasy and whimsy, especially for Susan's books, but it was fun and added a bit of humor.
Tommy has had a hard life for his 10 years and his new sister make a wish and an imaginary friend comes to help the kids and help Tommy accept him new life and understand how to process what has happened to him and that he can accept the help of this new family.
I liked that all the adults especially Abe and his buddies didn't treat Tommy like a child. They were up front and had no problems telling him the scary stuff.
I really liked the journey and transition Tommy goes through as he learns to embrace his new family
The cover, while fits with the rest of the series covers, doesn't work with the actually story, and I have this in the romance shelf, but since this is more about the kids and from the kids POV, it is more about family love rather than romantic love.
Really enjoyed the epilogue for this one
July 3, 2021
una piccola fiaba...............
questa storia è completamente diversa da tutte............più una fiaba che un romanzo della serie, è su uno dei figli adottivi di alabama e abe, tommy
proveniente da una serie di abusi come le due figlie di abe, con inaspettata dolcezza e sensibilità la stoker ci mostra tutta la sua crescita negli affetti (con un aiuto che dovete leggere) e ricalcando l'intera serie che ha sempre avuto delle storie particolarmente sofferte
la parte prettamente seal è ben poca rispetto alla storia che è molto dolce e tutta sul piccolo tommy
anche l'epilogo è molto avanti nel tempo e dolcissimo
consigliato!!!!
questa storia è completamente diversa da tutte............più una fiaba che un romanzo della serie, è su uno dei figli adottivi di alabama e abe, tommy
proveniente da una serie di abusi come le due figlie di abe, con inaspettata dolcezza e sensibilità la stoker ci mostra tutta la sua crescita negli affetti (con un aiuto che dovete leggere) e ricalcando l'intera serie che ha sempre avuto delle storie particolarmente sofferte
la parte prettamente seal è ben poca rispetto alla storia che è molto dolce e tutta sul piccolo tommy
anche l'epilogo è molto avanti nel tempo e dolcissimo
consigliato!!!!
July 6, 2025
It was OK.
February 19, 2021
This short story checks in with Alabama and Abe (Christopher) a few years later, as they’ve adopted two girls and are newly fostering a boy. The story is touching and told with a very different (for this series) magical twist that I disliked at first but grew on me. The one bedroom scene in this book seemed very out of place and the cover is misleading, having about nothing to do with the actual story. I enjoyed this ebook, but it wasn’t the best. 3/5
February 1, 2019
A sweet story giving a glimpse into Abe and Alabamas awesome family they are creating through their strength and love they are showing their kids how love is the best gift a parent can give.
October 19, 2016
Omg, I loved this book. I loved that Abe and Alabama took in kids that no one wanted. They have hearts of gold. Tommy comes from a very abusive home and foster homes that didn't want him, he is just waiting to be sent away again. Three talking cats show when they are summoned by the wish of Abes eldest daughter. The cats listen and tell Tommy that the whys and how's of his life can change if he chooses to take the right path. His actions are of a frightened confused child that has forgotten what it is to be loved. One of his outbursts causes Alabama to have a melt down, here is where Dude and the other men make him see that his words can cause pain to others. He learns that he isn't the only one to have suffered in this family. He takes to heart what he is told, making the decision that will help protect himself and his sisters while being kidnapped. The cats are hilarious, as they constantly clean "between their legs", constantly eat only "fresh salmon", and swearing, all while helping a young boy come to realize he's worth more then he thought. Also loved the epilogue. Thank you Susan for another loveable story.
October 20, 2016
This book gives us a continuation of Susan Stoker's earlier book, Protecting Alabama. We not only get a look and Abe and Alabama's growing family, but the story of a young, mistreated boy's journey to healing and love. This book is part of a Kindle World offering and Susan ventures into the supernatural is presenting the solutions. This book offers suspense, laughter, family understanding and the determination of some badass SEALs to save to day to make it a spellbinding read. If you're a fan of Ms. Stoker's SEAL of Protection series, then you'll love getting the chance to see them all in action once again. This book brought smiles, tears and such a range of emotion. I couldn't put it down until I finished it. Get yours today and prepare to do nothing else until you finish it.
December 14, 2016
What a hoot!!
I absolutely adored this book!! It makes you laugh, tear up, gives you warm & fuzzies - it covers just about every emotion you can think of!!
I loved seeing the SEALs and the girls. These are the type of people Tommy needed to see to realize that life does get better when you make smart choices. I was so proud of the way he came up with the idea to get his sisters out of harms way.
The is a story I'll be reading again very soon to see if I missed anything when I read it so fast the first time! ☺
If you like Susan Stoker or Robyn Peterman then don't miss this book. You won't be disappointed!
I absolutely adored this book!! It makes you laugh, tear up, gives you warm & fuzzies - it covers just about every emotion you can think of!!
I loved seeing the SEALs and the girls. These are the type of people Tommy needed to see to realize that life does get better when you make smart choices. I was so proud of the way he came up with the idea to get his sisters out of harms way.
The is a story I'll be reading again very soon to see if I missed anything when I read it so fast the first time! ☺
If you like Susan Stoker or Robyn Peterman then don't miss this book. You won't be disappointed!
October 20, 2016
Big Bad Seals
Never have I read an author who could provoke so many different emotions in one short story. One point I was laughing so hard I was crying and then at another point my heart was breaking and I was crying again. This book is beautifully written. Just go-ahead and buy it, you will not be sorry.
Never have I read an author who could provoke so many different emotions in one short story. One point I was laughing so hard I was crying and then at another point my heart was breaking and I was crying again. This book is beautifully written. Just go-ahead and buy it, you will not be sorry.
October 20, 2016
An excellent closure for the Protecting series.
I loved this book! Magic cats seem to be a new extension of Susan Stoker's work. It was a tearful wonderful experience. It took twice as long to read because I had to stop and wipe my tears frequently.
Overall, it was time well spent.
I loved this book! Magic cats seem to be a new extension of Susan Stoker's work. It was a tearful wonderful experience. It took twice as long to read because I had to stop and wipe my tears frequently.
Overall, it was time well spent.
March 16, 2018
To me this was the WORST Susan Stoker book of all time. The names used were just to weird along with the magical story line. I didn't buy the plot from the start. The beloved characters also read like they were different from the main stories that I loved. UGH, sorry to say this made me challenge myself and question my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
October 27, 2016
What a great addition to the series. Abe and Alabama have added to the family! But it's not all smooth sailing. With the help of 3 furry purry friends, the transition starts to get a little better. I absolutely loved this. We get a bit from everyone.
April 14, 2022
Protecting Alabama's Kids is a happily ever after novella that focuses on Alabama and Abe from the SEAL of Protection Series and their adoptive kids. We already knew that they adopted Brinique and Davisa from previous books. Those girls had a rough go with their mother who allowed men to touch them and ignored them. In this book, they add Tommy to the mix. He's been abused as well by his father and is in bad shape when he first arrives. He lashes out at his new sisters, but Abe and Alabama are great with him and so are Brinique and Davisa. Plus, there's this imaginary troll? It's cute. It's a predictable story, but I liked it. You're getting a family book, not a romance. It's clean from sex, but there are harsh words and violent situations. However, the ending is heartwarming.
SEAL of Protection Series
-Review of Protecting Caroline (SEAL of Protection #1)
-Review of Protecting Alabama (SEAL of Protection #2)
-Review of Protecting Fiona (SEAL of Protection #3)
-Review of Marrying Caroline (SEAL of Protection #3.5)
-Review of Protecting Summer (SEAL of Protection #4)
-Review of Protecting Cheyenne (SEAL of Protection #5)
-Review of Protecting Cheyenne (SEAL of Protection #6)
-Review of Protecting Julie (SEAL of Protection #6.5)
-Review of Protecting Melody (SEAL of Protection #7)
-Review of Protecting the Future (SEAL of Protection #8)
-Review of Protecting Alabama's Kids (SEAL of Protection #8.5)
-Review of Protecting Keira (SEAL of Protection #9)
SEAL of Protection Series
-Review of Protecting Caroline (SEAL of Protection #1)
-Review of Protecting Alabama (SEAL of Protection #2)
-Review of Protecting Fiona (SEAL of Protection #3)
-Review of Marrying Caroline (SEAL of Protection #3.5)
-Review of Protecting Summer (SEAL of Protection #4)
-Review of Protecting Cheyenne (SEAL of Protection #5)
-Review of Protecting Cheyenne (SEAL of Protection #6)
-Review of Protecting Julie (SEAL of Protection #6.5)
-Review of Protecting Melody (SEAL of Protection #7)
-Review of Protecting the Future (SEAL of Protection #8)
-Review of Protecting Alabama's Kids (SEAL of Protection #8.5)
-Review of Protecting Keira (SEAL of Protection #9)
June 27, 2021
Protecting Alabama’s Kids is the tenth book in Susan Stoker’s SEALs of Protection series. This book focuses on Alabama and Christopher “Abe” Powers’ children—Brinique, Davisa, and their newly acquired son, Tommy. Readers get to know these three children who share a common bond—the ultimate betrayal of a loved one (a parent) and subsequent sexual abuse by strangers. As expected, Tommy has difficulty trusting and assimilating into this family. Their acceptance, understanding, and love is foreign to him. To cope with the anxiety and fear, he has an imaginary friend named Gamjee. Gamjee is a troll. He is Tommy’s protector. The only one who sees Tommy are Brinique, Davisa, and Tommy. Gamjee knows that Tommy has an important role to fill in his future and does whatever he needs to help the ten-year-old adjust. Will Tommy be, okay? Does he face future danger from his father? Will he find happiness, security, and a role in the Powers’ family? You must read this book to discover what unfolds.
Although this is the tenth book in Ms. Stoker’s SEALS of Protection series, I view this book as a transition into a follow-up series with a new generation of SEALs. In this light, I can understand why Ms. Stoker veered away from the general format of the other books and included a perfect blend of whimsy and reality in dealing with an intense topic of sexually abused youngsters. It is normal for children when facing such traumatic events to turn to imaginary friends as a coping mechanism. In this case, Gamjee, a fat, stumpy and ugly troll, was the perfect juxtaposition character from the muscle-bound, tough, and caring Seals.
Ms. Stoker, once again, demonstrated her skill with literary devices such dialog, point of view and descriptive language. Her skill in craftsmanship in developing dialog that pulls the reader into this story while endearing her characters to the reader is remarkable. The conversations between Abe and Tommy were heartwarming. The conversations between Gamjee and Tommy functioned as Tommy’s internal dialog, thereby revealing his internal struggles adding the believability of the impact of his experiences. I also enjoyed her use of multiple POV. I enjoyed this book and felt like it added to the completion of this series. Nice job, Ms. Stoker!
Although this is the tenth book in Ms. Stoker’s SEALS of Protection series, I view this book as a transition into a follow-up series with a new generation of SEALs. In this light, I can understand why Ms. Stoker veered away from the general format of the other books and included a perfect blend of whimsy and reality in dealing with an intense topic of sexually abused youngsters. It is normal for children when facing such traumatic events to turn to imaginary friends as a coping mechanism. In this case, Gamjee, a fat, stumpy and ugly troll, was the perfect juxtaposition character from the muscle-bound, tough, and caring Seals.
Ms. Stoker, once again, demonstrated her skill with literary devices such dialog, point of view and descriptive language. Her skill in craftsmanship in developing dialog that pulls the reader into this story while endearing her characters to the reader is remarkable. The conversations between Abe and Tommy were heartwarming. The conversations between Gamjee and Tommy functioned as Tommy’s internal dialog, thereby revealing his internal struggles adding the believability of the impact of his experiences. I also enjoyed her use of multiple POV. I enjoyed this book and felt like it added to the completion of this series. Nice job, Ms. Stoker!
August 8, 2019
This is an OK addition to the SEAL of Protection series. It isn't a romance, but is the story of Tommy, who is fostered and then adopted by Ace and Alabama.
The book shared Tommy's sad story of abuse, and how Ace, Alabama, and the other SEAL team members all helped him understand that he was safe now. As is typical for abused kids, Tommy had severe trust issues and often said/did mean things. I liked that everyone on the SEAL team helped him with that.
One thing I thought was a bit odd about this book was the addition of the troll character Gamjee. I get that Tommy needed Gamjee to help him deal with his traumatic past. But none of the other books in this series had a paranormal element, so it just didn't seem to fit the series. Seems like Gamjee should have been an imaginary friend, and not a real troll that the adults just couldn't see/hear.
My rating system is below.
1 star -- Hated it, or did not finish. I usually only give this rating if some of the content is truly objectionable to me, like if one of the main characters does something really awful, and gets away with it.
2 stars -- Didn't like it. This rating usually means that I thought the writing wasn't very good, the editing was terrible, I didn't like the characters, or it had other major flaws.
3 stars -- I liked it, but had some minor issues with it. This rating means that there were minor editing issues, the story needed more character development, it was just too unrealistic, or had some other fairly minor issue. The majority of books I read get this rating – I do not consider it a bad rating.
4 stars -- I liked it a lot. This is a high rating for me, and I rarely give a higher one.
5 stars -- I loved it, and will probably read it again. Very few books are good enough to get this rating from me. The ones that do are usually classics.
The book shared Tommy's sad story of abuse, and how Ace, Alabama, and the other SEAL team members all helped him understand that he was safe now. As is typical for abused kids, Tommy had severe trust issues and often said/did mean things. I liked that everyone on the SEAL team helped him with that.
One thing I thought was a bit odd about this book was the addition of the troll character Gamjee. I get that Tommy needed Gamjee to help him deal with his traumatic past. But none of the other books in this series had a paranormal element, so it just didn't seem to fit the series. Seems like Gamjee should have been an imaginary friend, and not a real troll that the adults just couldn't see/hear.
My rating system is below.
1 star -- Hated it, or did not finish. I usually only give this rating if some of the content is truly objectionable to me, like if one of the main characters does something really awful, and gets away with it.
2 stars -- Didn't like it. This rating usually means that I thought the writing wasn't very good, the editing was terrible, I didn't like the characters, or it had other major flaws.
3 stars -- I liked it, but had some minor issues with it. This rating means that there were minor editing issues, the story needed more character development, it was just too unrealistic, or had some other fairly minor issue. The majority of books I read get this rating – I do not consider it a bad rating.
4 stars -- I liked it a lot. This is a high rating for me, and I rarely give a higher one.
5 stars -- I loved it, and will probably read it again. Very few books are good enough to get this rating from me. The ones that do are usually classics.
January 8, 2023
Protecting Alabama’s Kids is by Susan Stoker. This book takes us to the next generation. Abe and Alabama had a tumultuous time getting together and staying together. After they did, they began to think of fostering and adopting. Alabama had been through the fostering program and knew how hard it was for older children to be adopted and she wanted to go in that direction. However, they ended up adopting two little girls who were sisters. Their mother was a drug addict and simply didn’t care for the girls. The eldest (4) was protecting her little sister (3) when the police found them. Luckily, they had not been molested by the ”mean men” who came with their mother. With the love and tenderness of Alabama and Abe, the girls quickly became part of the Powers family.
Then, Alabama and Abe decided they wanted a brother for their girls. They ended up with Tommy who was ten. Tommy’s mother had died and his father had turned to drink and drugs and neglected Tommy. He even prostituted his own son. Luckily for Tommy, although he didn’t always see it that way, his father was jailed and Tommy went into foster care. Tommy was angry and broke out in temper tantrums and other unacceptable behavior which made fostering hard. However, Abe and Alabama knew almost immediately that Tommy was to be theirs. The girls were not quite so happy.
Would Tommy’s behavior rub off on the girls? Would he be so “bad” that they would send him back and hopefully the facility would take him back. He doesn’t realize that Abe and Alabama meant to keep him for keeps!
Then, Alabama and Abe decided they wanted a brother for their girls. They ended up with Tommy who was ten. Tommy’s mother had died and his father had turned to drink and drugs and neglected Tommy. He even prostituted his own son. Luckily for Tommy, although he didn’t always see it that way, his father was jailed and Tommy went into foster care. Tommy was angry and broke out in temper tantrums and other unacceptable behavior which made fostering hard. However, Abe and Alabama knew almost immediately that Tommy was to be theirs. The girls were not quite so happy.
Would Tommy’s behavior rub off on the girls? Would he be so “bad” that they would send him back and hopefully the facility would take him back. He doesn’t realize that Abe and Alabama meant to keep him for keeps!
April 9, 2018
Tommy has seen and felt more trauma at the hands of the one who should have been his shield. His father allowed the abuse to continue and even got paid!!! Now free of his father at last, Tommy has been placed with Abe and Alabama and their 2 adopted daughters. but Tommy sees himself as unwanted, unlovable and dirty. If only he had some magical cats to help him through!
Said cats are only a blink away. They've seen the future and they know that Tommy is important. But they have to get through to him quickly before danger once again darkens his future.
Tommy just made my heart hurt and my eyes leak! He had such a bad start to life and was made to feel his worth relied on his "pleasing" the men his father allowed to abuse him. He was slow to open up to Abe, Alabama and the girls but there were little cracks in his shell.
The trio of magical familiars are a hoot, with an over zealous need to preen themselves in my opinion LOL. They knew how to get Tommy through the dark periods and steer him into the light. I loved the way the big, outwardly scary SEALS made Tommy see that there is nothing wrong with being broken and strength comes in many forms.
I loved the ending with a glimpse into Tommy's future. Now exactly where is Assjacket?? I need to visit too!!
Said cats are only a blink away. They've seen the future and they know that Tommy is important. But they have to get through to him quickly before danger once again darkens his future.
Tommy just made my heart hurt and my eyes leak! He had such a bad start to life and was made to feel his worth relied on his "pleasing" the men his father allowed to abuse him. He was slow to open up to Abe, Alabama and the girls but there were little cracks in his shell.
The trio of magical familiars are a hoot, with an over zealous need to preen themselves in my opinion LOL. They knew how to get Tommy through the dark periods and steer him into the light. I loved the way the big, outwardly scary SEALS made Tommy see that there is nothing wrong with being broken and strength comes in many forms.
I loved the ending with a glimpse into Tommy's future. Now exactly where is Assjacket?? I need to visit too!!
January 24, 2017
Mashup Marvel
This mix of the SEAL's of Protection series with the familiars from the Magic and Mayhem series is delightful. This story deals with serious issues of what bad people can do to innocents. However, combining the whimsical touch of three magic cats from Assjacket, West Virginia with the testosterone driven protection squad of heart of gold Navy SEALs in San Diego results in a remarkable story. It is indeed the coming of age story for a young, abused child, Tommy, taken in by Abe & Alabama Powers. The Navy SEAL and his loving wife have fostered Tommy with the intent to adopt him, as they already have with their two daughters. But Tommy is suspicious and angry at the world, thanks to his abusive father and trust is difficult at best. Enter our three familiars to add magic to the mix and help Tommy become part of the Powers family. The magic of love, family and security really drives this story. Beautifully combining these two worlds results in a fun yet compassionate situation for the families depicted. The blending of reality with whimsy is perfectly done.
This mix of the SEAL's of Protection series with the familiars from the Magic and Mayhem series is delightful. This story deals with serious issues of what bad people can do to innocents. However, combining the whimsical touch of three magic cats from Assjacket, West Virginia with the testosterone driven protection squad of heart of gold Navy SEALs in San Diego results in a remarkable story. It is indeed the coming of age story for a young, abused child, Tommy, taken in by Abe & Alabama Powers. The Navy SEAL and his loving wife have fostered Tommy with the intent to adopt him, as they already have with their two daughters. But Tommy is suspicious and angry at the world, thanks to his abusive father and trust is difficult at best. Enter our three familiars to add magic to the mix and help Tommy become part of the Powers family. The magic of love, family and security really drives this story. Beautifully combining these two worlds results in a fun yet compassionate situation for the families depicted. The blending of reality with whimsy is perfectly done.
December 25, 2017
I have not read all of Susan Stoker books, but this one just managed to sneak under the radar and hit me square where it hurts.
Ten years old, Tommy has already been through more horror than most people suffer their entire lives. In the new foster home he is placed under the super gentle care of Abe and Alabama powers, he does what every kid in his situation would do, he lashes out. He is scared beyond what he can understand and has himself convinced that his new foster parents would send him away like everyone else has done, specially one as broke and dirty as him.
It’s going to take all of Abe's and Alabama's and the all take all of Alabama and Abe’s love, the sibling adoration of his foster sisters, Brinique and Davisa, and all of Abe's entire Seal Family to prove to Tommy that being nice, being respectful, and opening his heart to love are things he can choose. Even still Tommy has a hard time believing that he deserves a loving Family and a second chance at being happy.
But and this is what was a surprise to me, and I loved it way too much, well three friends show up and will show him how special he is even if they have to sneak in a little bit of magic to prove it.
Ten years old, Tommy has already been through more horror than most people suffer their entire lives. In the new foster home he is placed under the super gentle care of Abe and Alabama powers, he does what every kid in his situation would do, he lashes out. He is scared beyond what he can understand and has himself convinced that his new foster parents would send him away like everyone else has done, specially one as broke and dirty as him.
It’s going to take all of Abe's and Alabama's and the all take all of Alabama and Abe’s love, the sibling adoration of his foster sisters, Brinique and Davisa, and all of Abe's entire Seal Family to prove to Tommy that being nice, being respectful, and opening his heart to love are things he can choose. Even still Tommy has a hard time believing that he deserves a loving Family and a second chance at being happy.
But and this is what was a surprise to me, and I loved it way too much, well three friends show up and will show him how special he is even if they have to sneak in a little bit of magic to prove it.
January 18, 2022
I'm absolutely love this book. I love this series so much. I love how they still get together with everyone and their kids and stay in contact with each other. I love how they each got everyone back. I love how Alabama and Abe foster kids to adopt them in the end. I love how they brought in Tommy and how he at first was scared confused angry but once Abe told him some of the details around how each lady situation was and how his sisters situation was something just clicked inside Tommy and he knew that he was supposed to be there. However his true knowledge is when his "father" took them he truth knew that he had to protected his sister. I'm so glad that we had a little bit of the future and saw somewhat where everybody became well his family became and I love that he was in the secret service. I also love how he finally met gamjee again after years of searching and it was able to talk again. I can't wait to read the final book of this series and I can't wait to read more of her books and hopefully those books have a little bit of wolf's team in it I doubt it but still you never know I can't wait to eat more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 7, 2017
I loved this book, it also sends a great message out to others on how to handle foster or adopted kids from troubled backgrounds. I know magic cats don't really exist but animals can help, they have a calming influence and give love without expecting anything in return. I felt sorry that Tommy had been through so much at such a young age, but then the two girls had as well and Alabama herself had a nasty childhood. I loved how Aba talked to Tommy on an equal level, and trusted him with the stories of all the women and what they had gone through so that it would hopefully help him understand how much they wanted him as part of their family. The cats were funny but also insightful into what Tommy needed most, explain some things clearly and giving things to think about and work out a solution for himself. I whizzed through this book not putting it down until id finished it. If you have read the rest of the series I do recommend you include it even though it is mainly about the kids and these magic cats, it has a light hearted feel but an underlying meaning. Really great.
April 14, 2019
Abe and Alabama Powers become foster parents to Tommy, a ten year old child who has experienced the most horrific abuse in his young life. Confused, scared and angry, he lashes out at his foster parents, convinced that no one would want someone as damaged as he is.
One incident becomes his turning point, and, with the love of an imaginary friend, Abe and Albama, his sisters and the rest of the SEALs, Tommy finally accepts that maybe, just maybe, he is worthy of a second chance at happines.
Just like Alabama's story, Susan nailed it with her narrative of parental abuse and what it means, what it takes, to get out of that cycle. No child, no matter what race, denomination, or status in life deserve to have their innocence taken away, and it is up to us to help make that a reality in however way we know how.
This is why I love Susan Stoker's stories. Even if some military stories are a dime a dozen, I would argue that hers is unique, in that she always has a gem that you could pick up and keep, if you would only dig deep and look for it.
If you haven't read this one, I encourage you to do so, and pick up Alabama's story while you're at it. You won't regret it!
One incident becomes his turning point, and, with the love of an imaginary friend, Abe and Albama, his sisters and the rest of the SEALs, Tommy finally accepts that maybe, just maybe, he is worthy of a second chance at happines.
Just like Alabama's story, Susan nailed it with her narrative of parental abuse and what it means, what it takes, to get out of that cycle. No child, no matter what race, denomination, or status in life deserve to have their innocence taken away, and it is up to us to help make that a reality in however way we know how.
This is why I love Susan Stoker's stories. Even if some military stories are a dime a dozen, I would argue that hers is unique, in that she always has a gem that you could pick up and keep, if you would only dig deep and look for it.
If you haven't read this one, I encourage you to do so, and pick up Alabama's story while you're at it. You won't regret it!
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