The Help by Kathryn Stockett

My neighborhood book club chose this novel to read and although I haven’t done a review in a while I wanted to say a few words about The Help. First of all, it’s well done. I love her voices. Amazing and unique. She really does a fabulous job of capturing the three very different personalities. I also thought she got the League thing down pretty well and the general historical references are very clear and take you back the fifty years. But what makes the book is the fabulous subject matter–one near and dear to my own heart as I had a maid as a very young child growing up in the South.

If I had to be really negative I would criticize the ending. So much build up to what could have been an exciting finish and, well, frankly I was disappointed. Something wrong with the pacing and the closure in my opinion. I sometimes like a book that leaves you with possibilities but this didn’t work as well as it could have. Regardless, it’s a very good read–and I think a “must read” if you grew up in the deep South.

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In Protector’s Honor, Tabitha Beaumont is abducted while running a triathlon. Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) agent Rory Farrell hears her screams and instinctively comes to her rescue. In working another case, Rory realizes the attack was not random and Tabitha needs protection. They can’t ignore the immediate attraction they have for each other. But Tabitha is not able to let her guard down on her feelings after a past bad relationship. Rory needs to keep a professional distance while the case is being solved. Or can he? They look to their faith to guide them through their uncertain future.

Virginia author Kit Wilkinson provides lots of action and lots of emotion in this inspirational romance suspense novel. Tabitha has to deal her past that she’d rather forget and leave behind in order to first find who’s after her and then be able to move on with her life. Rory suspects Tabitha holds information critical to the case, but they need to find what it is and where the information is located before the attackers get to her again. Tabitha’s brother is missing, but what does he have to do with the case? Just when you think the mystery is solved, the plot thickens.

Protector’s Honor is a quick read. It’s a good thing the book is only 224 pages because you won’t want to put it down. The story is fast-paced and keeps you riveted until the very end.

Tags: Examiner, Protector's Honor, reviews
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The book launch for Protector’s Honor was a great success! There was a wonderful showing despite all the September Back-to-School conflicts and we sold over 140 books. YAY!!! All through the night, people asked me if I got tired of signing. Um…NO WAY! Never!  (Scroll down for more great pictures.)

NY Times Best Seller Mary Burton and me

And yet another positive review for the book from Janice Thompson, who writes for Barbour Publishing. Thanks Janice!!!

Sweet Suspense, September 23, 2009

By	Janice A. Thompson “booksbyjanice” (The Woodlands TX) – See all my reviews

Protector’s Honor is a sweet romance with a heart-skipping story. The author didn’t go heavy-handed on the suspense. She offered moments of sweet relief through the ever-building romance between the hero and heroine. She did a great job plotting out the story and left me guessing who-dunnit till the very end. Ironically, my very favorite line in the book was the very last one. I won’t give it away. But I don’t think I’ve seen a more fitting “wrap-up” line in a book in years. Kudos to the author! Nicely done. If you like fast-paced suspense thrillers with a strong romantic thread, Protector’s Honor is the book for you.

Ladies from bookclub

Donna R (my CP) and me

Rachel from Barnes and Noble

My beautiful daughter

Tags: book launch, Protector's Honor, reviews
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