"The Secret Service takes center stage in DiAnn Mills' thriller, 'Attracted to Fire.' That mysterious organization charged with protecting presidents and vice presidents displays a human side with Special Agent Meghan Connors and her coworkers."
Read more here.
Showing posts with label diann mills. Show all posts
Showing posts with label diann mills. Show all posts
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Book Review - 'The Fire in Ember' by DiAnn Mills
"Christian novelist DiAnn Mills takes us back to the beauty of 19th century Colorado in her latest work, 'The Fire in Ember.' A Western romantic adventure, the book combines faith, hope and love within an intense story of rustlers, relatives and secrets."
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Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Book Review-"Pursuit of Justice" by DiAnn Mills
The first chapter of DiAnn Mills’ latest release, “Pursuit
of Justice,” disappointed me. I usually find myself liking her heroes or
heroines from the start. Not so in this case. I found Bella Jordan a bit snippy
and brittle, harsh and self-centered. I simply didn’t like her as a person.
Fortunately, Mills’ easy-to-read adventure style made it
worth continuing and I came to like Bella as I learned more about her. The very
qualities I found so distasteful at first turned out to be legitimate parts of
a complex woman.
Jordan, an FBI agent, returns to her past physically and
emotionally as she seeks to bring a murderer to justice. People from Bella’s
past and some new acquaintances cross paths in a mix of mystery, detection and
archaeology. A treasure reputed to exist in rural Texas leads to murder and
misunderstanding. Bella has to determine who she can trust and find a way to
protect those for whom she cares.
Is the villain Carr Sullivan, former bad boy businessman
turned semi-recluse? Perhaps the sheriff, Darren Adams, has decided to improve
his finances. Jasper and Lydia, Sullivan’s employees, could be behind the
murders. Or is there someone else behind the evil in the area? Can Bella solve
the murders before anyone else dies?
Mills writes about Texas with the insight of someone who
knows it well. Her descriptions of the terrain bring it to life. She uses the
countryside to stage her novel with the authenticity so critical to the success
of a story. Her attention to detail pulls the reader into the scene.
As the third volume in Mills’ “Call of Duty” series, “Pursuit
of Justice” continues a great tradition but stands alone. The earlier volumes,
“Breach of Trust” and “Sworn to Protect,” looked at other branches of
government and the women working in them. All three are well worth reading.
If you enjoy solving mysteries, you’ll love “Pursuit of
Justice.” It provides a wild ride through tough country and a heroine full of
human failings.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
"Sworn to Protect" by DiAnn Mills
Warning: do not read DiAnn Mills’ newest release, “Sworn to
Protect” unless you are willing to look at all sides of the issue of illegal
immigration.
Border Patrol agent Danika Morales dedicates her life to
protecting U.S. borders from illegal entry. For Morales, the job is more about
stopping predators and drug dealers than individuals simply trying to better
their lives, although she arrests those as well. When the job takes a decidedly
personal turn, Morales must make hard choices about her perspective.
She lost her husband to an unsolved murder and must raise
their daughter alone. Her job performance is under scrutiny with the revelation
of an informant in the ranks. Now she’s discovered that she is someone’s
target. Who is after her, and why?
The second book in Mills’ Call of Duty series, “Sworn to
Protect” displays deep research. Mills rode with the line with Border Patrol
agents, learning firsthand the magnitude and complexity of the issue. She has used
that experience to weave a story of heartache, commitment and danger while
showing the wide variety of forms illegal immigration can take.
Mills has put a human face on illegal immigration in “Sworn
to Protect,” as she did with the tragic situation in the Sudan in “When the
Lion Roars” and “When the Nile Runs Red.” The characters are compelling as they try to
balance the requirements of the law with compassion. Mills brings us into their
hearts and minds, allowing the reader to experience the problem from each side
of the conflict.
While “Sworn to Protect” is the successor to “Breach of
Trust,” it is not a sequel. Readers will not suffer by reading them out of
order. Both address the question of how a Christian might handle the demands of
a secular job which seems at odds with faith. Mills tackles the question
without relying on pat answers.
“Sworn to Protect” combines the best aspects of thriller,
romance and inspiration to offer an exciting and satisfying read. Join the adventure
Mills promises in her slogan-read “Sworn to Protect.”
“Sworn to Protect” by DiAnn Mills
Published by Tyndale Fiction, 2010
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Book Review - "Breach of Trust" by DiAnn Mills
When DiAnn Mills takes on the CIA as a subject, her promise to “Expect an Adventure” takes on a completely new dimension.
In “Breach of Trust,” Mills recounts the story of Mikaela Olsson, survivor of a failed CIA mission. She has left the CIA, her old identity and the world she knew. Now a small town librarian known as Paige Rogers, she is trying to build a new life and protect those she left behind.
When the man responsible for the betrayal of that last mission inserts himself back into her life, Paige faces danger and decisions. Can she stay out of his clutches long enough to reveal the truth about the mission and free all concerned from the past?
Mills is a skilled storyteller. Her attention to detail and descriptive artistry make her stories rich and elegant. In “Breach of Trust,” she pulls us into a world of fear and deceit and allows us to follow Paige as she struggles for redemption.
This is a gritty story, and Mills does not shy from the ugly things humans can do to each other. Her story is not vulgar or bawdy, but is ruggedly honest. Paige acknowledges her mistakes and faces the consequences with dignity and concern for others.
Some may find it unlikely that a novel by an acknowledged Christian writer could subjects like out-of-wedlock birth and political intrigue. Once you’ve read “Breach of Trust,” you will understand how beautifully it can be done.
Mills indicates that "Breach of Trust" is the first novel in a new series - "Call of Duty." Keep your eyes open for the next episode.
“Breach of Trust”
by DiAnn Mills
Published by Tyndale House
ISBN: 978-1-4143-2047-2
In “Breach of Trust,” Mills recounts the story of Mikaela Olsson, survivor of a failed CIA mission. She has left the CIA, her old identity and the world she knew. Now a small town librarian known as Paige Rogers, she is trying to build a new life and protect those she left behind.
When the man responsible for the betrayal of that last mission inserts himself back into her life, Paige faces danger and decisions. Can she stay out of his clutches long enough to reveal the truth about the mission and free all concerned from the past?
Mills is a skilled storyteller. Her attention to detail and descriptive artistry make her stories rich and elegant. In “Breach of Trust,” she pulls us into a world of fear and deceit and allows us to follow Paige as she struggles for redemption.
This is a gritty story, and Mills does not shy from the ugly things humans can do to each other. Her story is not vulgar or bawdy, but is ruggedly honest. Paige acknowledges her mistakes and faces the consequences with dignity and concern for others.
Some may find it unlikely that a novel by an acknowledged Christian writer could subjects like out-of-wedlock birth and political intrigue. Once you’ve read “Breach of Trust,” you will understand how beautifully it can be done.
Mills indicates that "Breach of Trust" is the first novel in a new series - "Call of Duty." Keep your eyes open for the next episode.
“Breach of Trust”
by DiAnn Mills
Published by Tyndale House
ISBN: 978-1-4143-2047-2
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
"When The Nile Runs Red" by DiAnn Mills
“When the Nile Runs Red”
DiAnn Mills
Published by Moody Publishers, Chicago, IL
ISBN-13: 978-0-8024-9911-0
ISBN-10: 0-8024-9911-2
What do you like best in a book? What are the characteristics you look for in deciding to purchase one or check it out of the library? Do you look for action? Romance? Adventure? High drama? Well-drawn characters?
Then take a look at “When the Nile Runs Red,” by DiAnn Mills. This prolific Christian author delivers a well-told story of life in the southern Sudan filled with all of those elements and more. She gives us a trio of complex leading characters, savage yet elegant scenery and a storyline right out of the headlines.
Meet Paul Farid, an Arabic Muslim from a wealthy family. Attractive, educated, well-spoken – Paul is on the road to success. His trip is detoured when he becomes converted to Christianity and realizes his past behavior toward the people of the south is at odds with his new faith system. Paul’s actions, and his fortune, are now dedicated to helping the people he previously worked to destroy.
Dr. Larson Farid, Paul’s American wife is more than his life partner. She is also his co-laborer in the desperate villages of the southern Sudan. As a medical doctor, Larson works to heal bodies damaged by the ongoing violence. As a woman, she teaches other women skills to minimize the health hazards around them. As a Christian, she ministers to spirits thirsting for Truth.
The third part of the equation is Colonel Ben Alier, the military man bearing both physical and spiritual scars from the constant warfare in which he lives. Ben leads the Rhino Batallion, fighting for freedom and peace in southern Sudan.
These three form an unlikely yet highly effective team as they work to build a better life for those in southern Sudan. Success seems to be close at hand with the signing of a peace treaty and appointment of Sudan People’s Liberation Movement leader John Garang as vice president to the national government. Is their work done?
Mills has taken a national tragedy to a personal level in “When the Nile Runs Red.” Rather than a simply relating a sweeping story of global events, she brings us the impact of those events on individual lives. Her characters are imperfect humans, struggling to be their best and offer their best to others in a world where the price for lack of vigilance can be betrayal and the result of failure is death. No cardboard fillers here – the people are multi-layered, deep and realistic. They trip and fall; they persevere and endure; they question along the way.
This book is very much like a funnel, drawing the reader deeper and deeper into the lives of the characters. I found it difficult to put down at the end of a chapter (I tend to do my recreational reading “a chapter now, a chapter later.”) and wanted to keep going.
There are elements of romance, adventure, political intrigue, mystery and travelogue within the pages. Although the book continues the story of characters first introduced in “When the Lion Roars,” prior reading of that novel is not necessary to enjoy “Nile.” Neither is having an in-depth understanding of the political environment of Sudan. Mills puts everything in context as the story progresses.
As a reader, I especially enjoyed her descriptive passages. I have never traveled to Africa, yet I could see and feel and taste and smell the land she describes in this book and I am left with a longing to return to a place I haven’t physically been yet.
I also appreciate her careful plotting. Reading about people who never make an error is boring – let’s face it, Christians make mistakes, too! These were people I could easily meet in any world – they just happened to be in Sudan and the story grows naturally out of their actions. Few things turn me off on a book as thoroughly as a forced plot. You won’t find that here.
As a Christian, I appreciate the underlying faith of this book. Beyond that, I appreciate Mills and Moody Publishers putting their faith on line and using income from the sale of “When the Nile Runs Red” to support aid efforts in the southern Sudan.
I’m a firm believer in libraries – I have a library card and I use it. This time, though, I don’t want you to use your library card. More than simply urging you to read “When the Nile Runs Red,” I urge you to buy it to read it. You’ll be providing humanitarian aid as well as giving yourself a good read! (By the way, it would make a great Christmas gift for the readers on your list!)
For more about author DiAnn Mills and her earlier books, visit her webpage at www.diannmills.com.
© 2007 Mary Beth Magee
DiAnn Mills
Published by Moody Publishers, Chicago, IL
ISBN-13: 978-0-8024-9911-0
ISBN-10: 0-8024-9911-2
What do you like best in a book? What are the characteristics you look for in deciding to purchase one or check it out of the library? Do you look for action? Romance? Adventure? High drama? Well-drawn characters?
Then take a look at “When the Nile Runs Red,” by DiAnn Mills. This prolific Christian author delivers a well-told story of life in the southern Sudan filled with all of those elements and more. She gives us a trio of complex leading characters, savage yet elegant scenery and a storyline right out of the headlines.
Meet Paul Farid, an Arabic Muslim from a wealthy family. Attractive, educated, well-spoken – Paul is on the road to success. His trip is detoured when he becomes converted to Christianity and realizes his past behavior toward the people of the south is at odds with his new faith system. Paul’s actions, and his fortune, are now dedicated to helping the people he previously worked to destroy.
Dr. Larson Farid, Paul’s American wife is more than his life partner. She is also his co-laborer in the desperate villages of the southern Sudan. As a medical doctor, Larson works to heal bodies damaged by the ongoing violence. As a woman, she teaches other women skills to minimize the health hazards around them. As a Christian, she ministers to spirits thirsting for Truth.
The third part of the equation is Colonel Ben Alier, the military man bearing both physical and spiritual scars from the constant warfare in which he lives. Ben leads the Rhino Batallion, fighting for freedom and peace in southern Sudan.
These three form an unlikely yet highly effective team as they work to build a better life for those in southern Sudan. Success seems to be close at hand with the signing of a peace treaty and appointment of Sudan People’s Liberation Movement leader John Garang as vice president to the national government. Is their work done?
Mills has taken a national tragedy to a personal level in “When the Nile Runs Red.” Rather than a simply relating a sweeping story of global events, she brings us the impact of those events on individual lives. Her characters are imperfect humans, struggling to be their best and offer their best to others in a world where the price for lack of vigilance can be betrayal and the result of failure is death. No cardboard fillers here – the people are multi-layered, deep and realistic. They trip and fall; they persevere and endure; they question along the way.
This book is very much like a funnel, drawing the reader deeper and deeper into the lives of the characters. I found it difficult to put down at the end of a chapter (I tend to do my recreational reading “a chapter now, a chapter later.”) and wanted to keep going.
There are elements of romance, adventure, political intrigue, mystery and travelogue within the pages. Although the book continues the story of characters first introduced in “When the Lion Roars,” prior reading of that novel is not necessary to enjoy “Nile.” Neither is having an in-depth understanding of the political environment of Sudan. Mills puts everything in context as the story progresses.
As a reader, I especially enjoyed her descriptive passages. I have never traveled to Africa, yet I could see and feel and taste and smell the land she describes in this book and I am left with a longing to return to a place I haven’t physically been yet.
I also appreciate her careful plotting. Reading about people who never make an error is boring – let’s face it, Christians make mistakes, too! These were people I could easily meet in any world – they just happened to be in Sudan and the story grows naturally out of their actions. Few things turn me off on a book as thoroughly as a forced plot. You won’t find that here.
As a Christian, I appreciate the underlying faith of this book. Beyond that, I appreciate Mills and Moody Publishers putting their faith on line and using income from the sale of “When the Nile Runs Red” to support aid efforts in the southern Sudan.
I’m a firm believer in libraries – I have a library card and I use it. This time, though, I don’t want you to use your library card. More than simply urging you to read “When the Nile Runs Red,” I urge you to buy it to read it. You’ll be providing humanitarian aid as well as giving yourself a good read! (By the way, it would make a great Christmas gift for the readers on your list!)
For more about author DiAnn Mills and her earlier books, visit her webpage at www.diannmills.com.
© 2007 Mary Beth Magee
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