Eight-year-old Terry McQuinn's life changed one snowy Christmas Eve on the coast of Maine when he glimpsed the "summer people's" world previously unknown to this caretaker's son. Serenity Cottage was a place of beauty and privilege owned by the luminous Halworths -- but in the blink of an eye, tragedy left them in ruins. Determined not to follow in his father's footsteps, Terry grew up to become a high-flying Hollywood film agent -- but he has lost himself along the way. When he is called back to Maine by his father's death, he finds a note that stops him Open Serenity for Christmas. No one has been in the house in thirty years. Although Terry's first instinct is to leave it all behind, he discovers that Katherine Halworth, the girl he remembers from that fateful night, is the new owner. With her arrival imminent, Terry's past comes rushing back and he soon learns that it's never too late to forgive -- and never too late to love.
Chaplain (Major) Jeff Struecker was born in Fort Dodge, Iowa. He entered the Army as an enlisted soldier in September 1987 and remained on active duty until April 2000 when he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the US Army Reserve as a Chaplain Candidate. He confessed Christ as Savior as a teenager and was called to the ministry while serving with the 75th Ranger Regiment in Ft. Benning, Georgia.
He served for ten years in the 75th Ranger Regiment in positions from Ranger Reconnaissance Specialist to Platoon Sergeant. While serving in the 75th Ranger Regiment, Chaplain Struecker competed in the David L. Grange Best Ranger Competition for three consecutive years. His efforts culminated with a first place finish in 1996. He also served as an Assistant Instructor of Military Science at the University of Louisville and was recognized in 1998 as the US Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) Noncommissioned Officer of the year.
Throughout his career Chaplain Struecker has attended numerous professional military schools and has received many awards and commendations. Some of his awards include the Ranger Tab, Combat Infantryman's Badge, Pathfinder Badge, Master Parachutists Wings, Military Freefall Master Parachutist Wings, British Parachutist Wings, Thai Parachutist Wings, German Parachutist Wings, and German Sports Efficiency Badge. He has been awarded other commendations and decorations for successful completion of professional military schools throughout his military career.
His combat experience includes participation in Operation Just Cause in Panama, Operation Iris Gold in Kuwait, Operation Gothic Serpent, in Mogadishu, Somalia, and multiple tours in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. His awards for actions in these imminent danger zones include the Southwest Asia Service Medal (1 Service Star), Kuwaiti Liberation Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (2d award), National Defense Service Medal and the Bronze Star Medal (with "V" Device for valor, 3rd award). He has received other medals as recognition for his service in the United States Army.
Chaplain Struecker holds a Master of Divinity Degree from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, a Bachelor of Science Degree and Associate of Science Degree from Troy University in Alabama.
Chaplain Struecker and his wife, Dawn, have five children: Aaron, Jacob, Joseph, Abigail and Lydia.
This is one of the best, if not the best novel I’ve read this year.
A United States spy satellite, Angel 12, has dropped from space and is headed for the interior of China. However, when Space Command at the Offut Air Force Base in Nebraska takes a second look, they realize the Chinese have deliberately knocked the satellite out of orbit, intending for it to fall on their soil.
Space Command manages to make some adjustments to the orbit just in time and the satellite crashes in Siberia not far from the sea, which is a much more accessible location. Now it’s up to Sgt. Major Eric Moyer and his elite Special Ops team to find the satellite and retrieve it’s technologically advanced nuclear jet fuel that cannot be allowed to fall into the hands of the Chinese or the Russians. And both nations are on the hunt for it.
From the beginning the team has an uphill battle. First of all their mission puts them on Russian soil, a hostile nation they have no permission to be in. Second of all, since the breakup of the USSR, this particular part of Siberia is controlled by insurgents. These insurgents have already captured one US team and are torturing them.
As I turned the pages, there was always a silent clock ticking. Would our special ops team find Angel 12 in time? That was often in doubt. At one point it seemed as if both the Russians and the Chinese were ahead of Major Moyer’s team.
I thoroughly enjoyed the sub-storyline showing the difficulty of Army special ops families who get little to no notice that their husbands and fathers are shipping out to parts unknown. All they know is the mission is super dangerous. In this novel the team doesn’t even get to say goodbye to their families face-to-face, but is only allowed to make a few quick phone calls before they ship out. When a family member is kidnapped, that means there is an intelligence leak somewhere in the military chain of command on this operation…perhaps even treason.
I had no trouble understanding the military jargon. I enjoyed the competitive banter the members of the special ops team constantly threw back and forth – up to a point. But eventually it put strain on the suspension of my disbelief. I thought, it’s not like this on an actual military special ops mission. There would be at least a few off color remarks. For my part, I would’ve liked a tad less jocular banter and would not have minded a few, only a few, mild “bad words.”
This is a must read for anyone who is a fan of military action-adventure stories. Suspense fans will also greatly enjoy this story. There’s no romance in the usual sense of the word when we speak of the different genres. But these special ops soldiers and their wives share deep love stories which the authors depict in a multi-facetted way. Not to mention the love they bear for their children. It becomes obvious what type of sacrifice this type of soldier makes to keep the American public safe and secure.
More like 3.5 stars. A gripping tale of a fallen American satellite and the three-way competition to recover or destroy it. Well plotted and written. Credit given to co-author Alton Gansky.
I normally don’t read this type of book, but aside from a somewhat clunky beginning this one grabs the reader and drags him or her through a complex tale some of which parallel today’s headlines. (First published in 2011.) One of the competing elements is a Russian splinter group, unhappy with the depths to which post-Cold War Russia has fallen, intend to re-establish the Soviet Union. (Too bad that description just as easily describes the narcissistic tyrant who currently leads Russia.)
The heroic action is leavened with enough human interplay and family connections to give depth to what is often non-stop action and gore in this type of story. Undoubted Christian faith among some—not all of the team—but no hard-sell religion. Interpersonal humor is well-presented and appropriate.
Angel-12, the object of all this mayhem, contains several technologies of interest. One, its imaging system is admitted from the first. Second, the nuclear power plant is admitted early in the story. The third reveal is held until the last pages.
Quibble: The only area in Russia this could have played out is not where the story implies. The American team land on a Zodiac, and travel inland in a FedEx truck--uphill. The Chinese team is inserted out the back door of an MD-90, which has squawked "emergency" and flown over a corner of Russia. The Russians, of course, could come from anywhere. The satellite was originally supposed to land in China, according to the Chinese plans. All of which does not add up to "Siberia" as the characters kept saying.
This is book three of the series, but the satellite angle attracted my attention. A serious reader of this genre will want to start with Certain Jeopardy, the first in the series.
"Fallen Angel" the third novel in the "Sgt. Major Eric Moyer" series begins with the American satellite Angel-12 falling to Earth; an Air Force Special Ops team sent to a location in Siberia to retrieve its advanced technology only to be captured by Russian mercenaries.
The plot heats up when Sergeant Major Eric Moyer and his Special Ops unit are deployed not only to find Angel-12 but the captured team who are being tortured for information. Little does Moyer's unit know that a Chinese special forces group has invaded Russian air space in pursuit of the satellite and that only with shrewd planning will they be able to fulfill their mission.
Fast-paced, the action never stops as Sergeant Major Moyer and his team face challenges like rappelling onto a ship in violent seas to a pulse-pounding clash when they confront the Russians holding the Air Force unit hostage. Intensity and suspense continually escalate with a kidnapping back home, the resignation of the Vice-President and the search for a mole within the military. Well-written and emotionally-charged Major Eric Struecker brings his expertise and insight not only into the military mission but the commitment of the unit to their duty , each other and to their families.
Bringing the story to life are compelling and multifaceted characters who often defuse the tension, and violence with humor, their camaraderie and even a strong sense of faith when faced with tough decisions. With twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat all too quickly the plot flows smoothly to an exciting ending.
A fan of military-action-adventure this author duo has become one of my favorites. I thoroughly enjoyed "Fallen Angel" and will continue to read other books in the series.
This one was a bit hard to follow on why moyer wanted to leave it to the russians and the jumping between families and groups such as the Data and Tess and Moyer. It was just like the first 2 books. Easy to read, has a watered down gory section but nothing that is over the top. I was shocked at the ending when both Moyer and Shaq were injured and then both retired which I knew MOyer would retire but not Shaq.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
The story was actually not bad, but the three or four chapters of proselytizing is just a complete distraction, whether it is important to you or not. For that reason Major Jeff, I'm out.
The Unite States, China, and Russia are in race against time. The prize for placing first is an American satellite that has crashed from space. With the odds continually mounting against them, U.S. Sargent Major Eric Moyer must take his team into a country they are not supposed to be in. With the clock ticking down and the two other nations closing in on their target, Moyer has to make it there first…the President won’t allow failure.
Starting this book is like sliding onto the back of a wild bronco—once the gate opens and the horse takes off, all you can do is hold on for dear life! Fallen Angel begins with an intriguing prologue and jumps right into a fast-paced plot. There are many characters in this book, but I never had any problem setting them all straight. Moyer’s special ops team—Rich, J.J., Jose, and Crispin—were a hoot! All of them! I loved the banter that was constantly flying. While the situation was always serious and often life-threatening, their jokes never stopped.
I liked the two different views Fallen Angel gave. Not only was a special ops mission shown in wonderful detail, but also their family’s lives. It was sobering and a bit sad when the men had to call their family and let them know they wouldn’t be home anytime soon. I can’t imagine not knowing where your husband or father is, but knowing that wherever they are, they were doubtless in a very dangerous situation.
This suspenseful read is perfect for men and women alike! For those who prefer action and suspense over romance—this is the perfect book! Romance is left out and intense action and thrills are put in their place. I found it very difficult to put down! The last hundred pages, when everything escalades to an intense and heart-stopping climax, was awesome. So many things are going on in different parts of the world, But Jeff and Alton keep everything in order.
There is quite a bit of torture in this book, so I wouldn’t recommend it to readers who are uneasy or queasy with that. I don’t especially like reading about torture, but I did like the different angle the authors gave by showing it from a prisoner’s perspective. Sometimes I don’t think we fully understand everything our soldiers do for this nation.
All in all, if you are a suspense fan, I don’t think you can go wrong by reading this book. At first glance I thought it was some sci-fi space adventure, but it is FAR from that! Wow! Fallen Angel reminded me of the Discarded Hero series by Ronie Kendig, but in its own special and unique style. I would definitely read the other books in this series and anything else this writing team comes out with! Keep comin’ with the adventures, Jeff and Alton!
Angel-12 is a state-of-the-art American satellite. It has been ambushed by China and falls from space, landing in Siberia. Angel-12 contains an advanced nuclear fuel and cannot be allowed to fall into enemy hands. Major Eric Moyer and his elite Special-Ops unit have been brought in to retrieve the satellite. Three countries are on the hunt for Angel-12, but only one will find it in time. Fallen Angel is an action-packed, pulse-pounding, thrill ride that starts on page one and never lets go until the very end. From the opening lines of the book, I was completely emerged in the story and hurled along with the characters on their difficult journey. This is not a tale for the weak at heat, but it is, sadly, a glimpse at what could and often does happen to our service men and women when captured behind enemy lines. The military jargon used in the book tossed me right back into my Navy days, but is used in a way that laymen will totally understand. The characters are deeply layered and you quickly find yourself rooting for them and willing them through to the end. There are some emotionally disturbing issues that are dealt with in the book, but they are necessary to give the plot its realism. I am in love with the depth of the writing style and the authors’ ability to transition from one scene to another with such ease. Brilliantly crafted…I am officially a fan of these two writers. Suspense, world super-powers and even some humor tossed in along the way, Fallen Angel is one book I will definitely read again. A 5-spider rating doesn’t do justice to this book. Pick this one up today…you will NOT be disappointed. CK Webb
Angel 12 is an American satellite that has been knocked out of space by the Chinese to gain the information that it carries. To their dismay the Americans were able to prevent the satellite from landing on Chinese soil. They were only able to divert it though to crash in Siberia.
The American’s have already sent in a Special Ops team to destroy the satellite but they are feared captured or dead. Sgt. Major Eric Moyer is the head of a Special Ops team that is sent to not only destroy the satellite, but to also rescue the other soldiers that are hopefully still alive. His leadership is tested when he is told that his daughter has been kidnapped and the demands are that the Special Ops team pull out of Siberia and abandon their mission.
With 3 countries racing to reach the downed satellite will Moyer be able to lead his team with clear determination or is the mission already compromised with the crippling news of his daughters kidnapping?
I have to be honest I really didn’t look forward to reading this book! I thought for sure it was going to be some hokey “guy” book. Which it truly is a “guy” book, and I can’t wait to pass it on to my husband to read, but I enjoyed it very much! It was fast-paced yet detailed, there was humor and heart-break. I was actually biting my nails during the final pages! A great military read!
John 15:13 comes alive in this novel about a Special Ops Unit assigned the task of rescuing a fallen satellite and some injured military personnel in enemy territory. It is a race against two other enemy nations trying, at all costs, to get their hands on the satellite as well.
The cast and story are unbelievably real as the author, Major Struecker, is a Black Hawk Down veteran and keeps you "on the edge". I was amazed at what our special forces are willing to go through for our country; and I gained a new appreciation for our military.
I would caution younger readers about the violence involved in interrogation techniques used in this story. Otherwise, it gets my high recommendation.
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This review copy was provided courtesy of B&H Publishing by the opinion expressed was my own.
Because I’m not a huge fan of military suspense, this book was hard for me to get into. It revolves around “space-based intelligence” and since I’m not familiar with military operations, many of the references were hard for me to understand or find interest in. However, I did enjoy Blaze of Glory.
This author definitely knows what he’s writing about and I think that because he is such a highly respected and decorated member of the Army, he has the advantage of military intelligence and experience that civilian readers like myself might not have. This is one of those books you’ll have to read for yourself. I would say that if this one doesn’t grab your attention, try some of Jeff’s other books.
Special Ops teams from multiple countries converge on a satellite which has crashed in Siberia. The story is straightforward, entertaining and fairly realistic. Like the earlier books in this series, this book is focused on action and plot more than character and setting. There is zero subtlety and little in the way of intricacy, literary flourish, sub-plots, or mystery.
The story touches on (I was going to say "explores," but it isn't quite that deep) a few thought-provoking issues: how teams adapt to changing personnel, the relationship between soldiers and their families, how soldiers obey when the reasons for the orders are unclear, and how humans respond to torture.
Outstanding Spec Ops adventure with action going on overseas and at home at the same time. Loved the characters and how they interacted. I stopped reading Tom Clancy because he got too technical with pages and pages of data dumps. There is just enough "data" here to help you understand the ops, but not enough to bore you. Read it in less than a week, which is good for me, considering I still have a day job and many home projects going on.
Read all three in the series. Must say they are all well worth the read. Great military story without too much for us non-military people. So thankful for all of our military & their families. Out of the three in the series, this was the best. I was the most tired after this one though. Very nervous about how it was going to end.
The spec ops stuff seems spot on. Enjoyed it all the way. I recommend it.
Felt mostly like what it would be in the field, sometimes lacked the grit I expect from military novels. Mabye because it's a Christian novel. Not preachy at all though.
Great action-packed, on-your-toes novel. Loved it! Couldn't put it down! Moles in the system, evil on the home-front, fallen satellites, captured comrades, compromised leaders, loyal friends and family - this was an incredible story of Christian faith and trust in the One God. A great read!
I read it because I wanted something fun to read, and I have met Alton Gansky at Christian Writer Conferences. It was great. Fast paced, suspenseful, and technically believable.
Refreshing viewpoint. Enjoyed the story & like the characters, even the enemy is presented as intelligent, well-trained and honorable. Christian morality.