Tag: #contemporarychristianfiction

Book Tour/Feature Post and Book Review: The Patriot Oath by Lloyd Lofthouse

Hi, everyone!

Today I am sharing my Feature Post and Book Review for THE PATRIOT OATH by Lloyd Lofthouse on this Virtual Author Book Tour.

Below you will find a book description, my book review, an excerpt from the book, an about the author section, the author’s social media links and a Rafflecopter giveaway. Enjoy!

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Book Description

AND HE THOUGHT BEING IN THE MARINES WAS TOUGH …

After twenty-four years, Special Forces legend Josh Kavanagh has retired from the military. But now that he’s home, he’s finding that everyone has a different understanding of his motivations, and realizes that there are some wounds no amount of time can heal.

Josh’s traumatized sister, Suki, thinks her big brother is a hero and has come home to punish her rapist, the youngest son of a ruthless, crooked billionaire who lives to get revenge on anyone he sees as a threat to his family, wealth, and power.

Josh’s childhood sweetheart, Rachel, hopes he’s returning for her—the fierce girl he left behind when he joined the military. But Rachel doesn’t know about Mia, the woman in France …

And Josh isn’t coming home alone. The Oath Group, an elite force of private military contractors, is already in Montana waiting for their commander to arrive.

The DOD and CIA don’t want President Trump to know they hired Josh’s Oath Group to examine dangerous white supremacist militias that are threatening the U.S. Constitution. That covert black-ops military operation is starting in Idaho and Montana. Josh and his teams have to get the job done while preserving their anonymity—and their lives.

NOTE: This novel grew out of a prompt in a VA Vet Center PTSD support group that focuses on writing as a form of therapy. Everyone in that group was a combat veteran that included Marines, Special Forces, medics, combat photographers, et al.  The combat vets in that group heard the entire novel as it was written chapter-by-chapter, starting in March 2018.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58744539-the-patriot-oath?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=QnG3Z63RVL&rank=1

THE PATRIOT OATH

by Lloyd Lofthouse

Publisher: Three Clover Press (July 8, 2021)
Category: Political Thriller, Native American, Terrorism, Psychological, Vigilante Justice, Kidnapping, Romance gone wrong, Suspense and Military.
Tour dates: November, 2021
ISBN: 978-0986032899
Available in Print and ebook, 266 pages

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My Book Review

RATING: 3 out of 5 Stars

THE PATRIOT OATH by Lloyd Lofthouse is an interesting mash-up of several genres that is an exciting, action-packed special ops military/political thriller intertwined with a contemporary romance and family drama. (NOTE: This story does include difficult emotional subject matter such as rape and PTSD.)

The action/adventure/revenge plot of this story were intense, interesting and a bit over the top, but that is what made it fun to read. Who does not want a hero and friends with special skills to stand against all injustice? There are political references and many religious quotes and references, so you must be open-minded as you read this book.

The romance plot in this book did not work for me. I cannot give details without giving away a big twist, but it does not fit the true genre rules of a romance. I would recommend going into this book with a realistic contemporary romantic elements view of the hero’s story than expecting a HEA second chance romance which would have been completely unbelievable.

If you want a fast-paced American heroes thriller this is an entertaining read.

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Excerpt

**This excerpt appears in Chapter 3 starting on page 16 in the paperback**

When Josh reached the tree, he found the heart carved deep in the smooth grey-brown bark. Inside were the initials JK & RC, with 4EVER right below.

“I didn’t know you were the sentimental type,” Sammy said from behind him.

“I’m surprised this tree’s still alive. It must be forty feet tall now. It was half that back then.” Josh reached out with one hand and caressed the deep letters with his fingertips. “I never stopped loving Rachel. In boot camp, every morning when reveille sounded, I thought about her. I missed her something bad. It took a lot of years for my achy-breaky heart to heal. Even with other women, I often imagined I was with her.”

“Then why did you leave like you did?” Sammy asked.

Josh wasn’t ready to talk about that, so he changed the subject. “The first time I saw her was in second grade, and that’s when I knew she was special.”

Unbeknownst to the brothers, they were being watched. “Asshole!” Rachel growled. “We were in high school the first time you sang that ‘Achy Breaky’ Billy Ray Cyrus song to me. Back then, I thought it was cute. I was stupid to trust you.”

Hearing her voice caused Josh’s heart to stampede. While reeling in his ticker, he took his time turning around. “When I used those words just now, I wasn’t thinking about the song, Rachel.” It was a struggle to stay calm. He wanted to wrap his arms around her and discover her lips all over again.

She stood a few feet behind Sammy, who had jumped out of the way like a startled jackrabbit ready to run. His eyes were bouncing back and forth from her to his brother.

For Josh, she was an eye magnet. His gaze left her face and moved slowly down her body, loving every inch of her five-foot-three-inch frame. Her only sign of age was the weathered tone of her skin and the beginning of fine worry lines around her eyes. She looked better than he remembered; she was still slim and her hips had filled out, making for a damn sweet feast. It was apparent that the years had treated her kinder than they had treated him.

“What do you think I am,” she said, “a filly on the auction block?” From the look on her face, he knew he’d made a mistake checking her out like that. “Or maybe you think I’m a broodmare. I should poke your eyeballs out.”

He never imagined they’d be reunited on this spot. They’d been sixteen when they carved that heart in the tree and swore it was the symbol of their undying love. That was also the first of many times he said he’d never leave her.

“Yea, you broke that promise, too, dickhead.” The harsh tone of her voice stung.

“You always could read my mind,” he said.

“What shitbucket full of bunk are you going to dump on me now? Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. I want to know about the other women.” Her lips became a tight line, and her eyes flashed what he hoped was jealousy.

“What I did between boot camp in 1994 and today is history. It’s none of your business, just like what you did with your life isn’t mine.” He didn’t need to mention Luke, the abusive alcoholic gambler she’d married. She knew—no need to rub it in.

A moment of silence followed before she stabbed him with more words. “You broke my heart when you left.”

He squirmed, trying to look pitiful. “I can’t go back and fix it.” He didn’t know what else to say, so for the first time in twenty-four years, he let the words flow without controlling them. “Before I left on that bus to MCRD, I called your house and recorded a message on the answering machine.”

“You’re dumb as a rock,” she replied. “You knew that machine was broke.”

Jolted, he stammered. “I … forgot.” The embarrassment was stuck between his teeth. Then he thought about something that happened in second grade. He was sitting behind her and leaned forward to whisper that he loved her. Without turning around, she had stabbed him with a sharp pencil and broke the graphite off under his skin, leaving a dark spot below his right knee that was still there.

“I think we should go inside.” Sammy sounded nervous.

“Shut up!” Rachel turned her blazing eyes on him. “You and the rest of your family tricked me. I’ll take care of you all later.” She walked forward until she was inches from Josh, who was getting ready to take whatever beating she was going to dish out. He hoped it’d be with her fists instead of more words.

He stared into her angry green eyes. “Until today,” he said, “I didn’t know I was the father of your children.” …

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About Lloyd Lofthouse

Multiple award winning author, Lloyd Lofthouse is a former U.S. Marine and combat vet with a BA in journalism and an MFA, with a focus on writing. He’s the author of the award-winning novels My Splendid Concubine, Running with the Enemy, The Redemption of Don Juan Casanova, and the memoir Crazy is Normal, a classroom exposé. His short story, A Night at the Well of Purity was named a finalist in the 2007 Chicago Literary Awards.

Social Media Links

Websites: http://lloydlofthouse.org/ & https://thesoulfulveteran.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/lflwriter
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Lloyd-Lofthouse-168775989838050/

Buy Patriot Oath by Lloyd Lofthouse

Amazon (Get it on Sale During the Kindle Countdown Deal Nov 18-24)
Indiebound

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RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY

“http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/e23ee71d1517/”

Friday Feature Author Interview with Elise Cooper: The Gathering Table by Kathryn Springer

Book Description

From USA TODAY bestselling author Kathryn Springer comes a tale of starting over when life takes an unexpected turn.

Winsome Lake, Wisconsin, is postcard-pretty, but for chef Jessica Keaton it’s also a last resort. Fired from her dream job, Jess is starting over as a live-in cook and housekeeper. When she arrives, she finds her new employer is in rehab after having a stroke, and Jess expects she’ll be all alone in Elaine Haviland’s quaint house. A chef with no one to cook for.

But instead, she encounters a constant stream of colorful visitors who draw her back into the world. As Jess contends with local teenagers, a group of scrappy women and a charming football coach, Elaine faces some battles of her own that extend past her physical challenges. For both of them, all the ingredients for a fulfilling life are within reach, if they’re willing to take a leap. And maybe Jess will start to see that it’s not just what’s on the table that matters—it’s the people gathered round it.

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Elise’s Thoughts

The Gathering Table by Kathryn Springer would be great for a Hallmark movie.  The characters and the plot are relatable to anyone who has struggled with betrayal. Despite the many bumps along the way, the characters end up having hope after reinventing themselves. Readers realize how new friendships can help with overcoming past secrets.

Meet Jessica Keaton, who was unjustly fired from her job and accused falsely of improprieties. She decided to start anew by accepting a job offer to be a live-in cook and housekeeper for Elaine Haviland.  Elaine had fallen, sent to rehab, and while there had a stroke.  With Elaine recovering, Jess has her house to herself. While settling in, Jess is bombarded with Elaine’s friends and neighbors.  Sienna Bloom is a girl who uses Elaine’s piano to practice for a recital where she can win a scholarship, but also uses the living room couch to sleep.  Besides Elaine, it seems that Jess has a lot in common with Sienna regarding secrets and a past life.  It is almost like they are The Three Musketeers.

There is also Nick Silva, a neighbor, and the high school coach, who takes an interest in Jess.  Although attracted to each other Jess has built walls, which must be torn down.  Another character helping Jess realize she no longer wants to be a loner is Christopher Benjamin Gardner, a young man who stutters, has a light case of Down Syndrome, and has become Jess’s sous chef.  Jess allows him to venture out and realize he can have a job.  His mother Nita, along with her friends, Peg and Marri, nicknamed the Scrappy Ladies, feel the need to protect Jess even though they are busy bodies. All these people, including Elaine who has returned home, help Jess to navigate the feeling of comradeship and family. Realizing she no longer needs to rely on herself she accepts the warmth and caring ways of those around her. 

Elaine has also found romance with Matthew Jeffries, a former military Chaplain, who visited Elaine in rehab where they both realize someone in their fifties can find a relationship.

This story leaves a sweet taste in readers’ mouths. The characters are strong people with good values and are very caring. Anyone who wants a feel-good story should read a Kathryn Springer book. These are the type of friends everyone needs.

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Elise’s Author Interview

Elise Cooper: Why did you make Jess, the main character, a chef?

Kathryn Springer:  I have this secret dream of wanting to own a restaurant, something I will never do.  If I can’t realize my dream, then my characters can.  I was also inspired about what happens when people gather around the table together, to hear shared conversations and stories.

EC: What is the role of cooking?

KS:  Food is an icebreaker and brings people comfort.  It brings people together.  They have shared traditions and dinners have attachment to memories.  It helps people bond. It helped Jess escape just as the piano helped Sienna escape.

EC:  Community is important in this book?

KS:  It was like a second family.  Jess realizes that there are people out there for her and she is not alone. 

EC:  How would you describe Jess?

KS:  She came from the wrong side of the tracks who had to overcome those unkind to her.  She became isolated and a loner.  By moving to Winsome Lake, Wisconsin, she reinvents herself and becomes successful.  She wants to belong and be accepted for who she is as a person.  In the beginning she was distrustful, afraid of failure, but also feisty, strong, sensitive, and kind.

EC:  Jess had to overcome people’s cruelness?

KS:  There is a character, Libby Tucker, who had to fight off many tribulations in her life.  She wrote a diary about being betrayed, and felt her life and career were over. Jess relates to Libby, and is quoted in the book, “She left because it didn’t matter how hard she worked. It didn’t matter that all she wanted was to do the work that she loved. She knew no one would believe her. She knew good things didn’t happen to people like her… Libby’s mistake was thinking she could put the past behind her and start over again.”

EC:  One of those characters was Gwyneth Donovan, Jesses former boss who fired her.  She seemed to be demanding, difficult to please, and somewhat of a snob?

KS:  Jess saw those qualities but also looked on her as a role model.  She was the picture of success to Jess. Gwyneth was wealthy, independent, respected, well presented, and had friends in high places.

EC: How would you describe Elaine, Jess, and Sienna?

KS:  All wanted to belong, and all have secrets. They did not want to be judged by their past. 

EC:  How would you describe Elaine?

KS:  She is afraid if she is honest, she might lose her friends.  She has strength, independence, and is caring. 

EC:  Why give Elaine a stroke?

KS:  It happened to some people I know that were in their mid-fifties. They were in good health and then had a stroke. Some were able to recover. 

EC:  Nick is the male lead?

KS:  He was the small-town high school quarterback who came back home.  He has a strong sense of community and family.  Overall, a good guy. Because he is now a coach, he has become sensitive to different types of personality.  He is also funny and charming.

EC:  How about Sienna?

KS:  She is broken but wants something more from her life.  As the story unfolds, she gains confidence.  Jess helped her to trust again. Jess understood her because she was like Sienna at that age.

EC:  Christopher was such a great character?

KS:  He is tender hearted.  I think he added a lot to the story.  Jess allowed him to enter her kitchen and life.  He is sweet, optimistic, and joyful.

EC:  How about Elaine’s love interest, Matthew?

KS:  He was not a character who appeared in the synopsis or in my head.  He came about as I was writing the scene with Elaine in rehab.  I typed the words “knock-knock” and thought who would be there. Matthew walked into the room. Their relationship was unexpected, but why should young characters always get all the romance?

EC:  What about your next books?

KS:  I am thinking of writing a sequel to this book. There is no contract and of course no release date.  I am always thinking how I cannot say good-bye to these characters.  They have become my friends over the course of the book. I would love to hear from readers about a second book. They can contact me at https://kathrynspringer.com/contact/ .

I am also going to self-publish and reissue a women’s fiction that will be out in January as a series of three books.  It is the “Staple Hill Café” series make over.

THANK YOU!!

BIO: Elise Cooper has written book reviews and interviewed best-selling authors since 2009. Her reviews have covered several different genres, including thrillers, mysteries, women’s fiction, romance and cozy mysteries. An avid reader, she engages authors to discuss their works, and to focus on the descriptions of their characters and the plot. While not writing reviews, Elise loves to watch baseball and visit the ocean in Southern California, with her dog and husband.