Status
Available
Call number
Series
Collection
Publication
Thomas Nelson (2018), Edition: Reprint, 352 pages
Description
"Journalist and newscaster Erica Sparks is only planning to report on an explosive story--until she gets caught in the middle of it"--
User reviews
LibraryThing member 1Randal
A timely, interesting concept for a novel. What would happen if one of the states (in this case, North Dakota) attempted to secede from the United States? What with the red/blue divisions we are currently experiencing, I did not find the idea to be too "far-out-there".
And the author wrote a good
But.....(spoilers ahead).
I found the idea that a small number (maybe 5) of people could overthrow a state's government and declare it's removal from the union to be unrealistic. Honestly, just because someone is elected governor means that all other government agencies are going to throw their lot in with her? The US Senators, US Congressmen, the Federal (and State and local) law enforcement agencies? And that the US President is just going to stand by as this group takes over military bases, makes globally reaching decisions, and threatens war? In fact, no one, not the FBI/CIA/Homeland Security, is able to root out any of this, but a simple news reporter could? Not hardly.
And then there are the sloppy mistakes, somethings that should have been caught in editing. "She also got a permit and bought a handgun-she refuses to touch an automatic, she considers them killing machines that should be banned" (uhh, handguns cannot be "automatic"?). And identifying the second in command of an important military base as a Corporal. And having to identify any (several) characters as being "black"; you didn't id the other characters as white/asian/etc, why does it matter if they are black? Or charging a Canadian citizen with treason against the US, is that really an option?
Despite the main character being kidnapped, threatened, having inside info on numerous murders, she blindly plunges forward, never alerting law enforcement. And despite her having knowledge about where nuclear missiles are being readied against the US in Canada, instead of calling out the calvary, she flies to Canada, where she single-handedly takes down the base where the missiles are, preventing their launch in the nick of time (where they were to be launched with the stereotypical red button).
And, finally, after approximately 330 pages, the entire "suspenseful" ending is done in about 3 pages. Very rushed and unsatisfying.
I would really like to see this concept rewritten in a more thought out, "believable" manner. That would be a good book!
And the author wrote a good
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story, for the most part. I found the main character development to be well thought out, and the writing "flowed" well. But.....(spoilers ahead).
I found the idea that a small number (maybe 5) of people could overthrow a state's government and declare it's removal from the union to be unrealistic. Honestly, just because someone is elected governor means that all other government agencies are going to throw their lot in with her? The US Senators, US Congressmen, the Federal (and State and local) law enforcement agencies? And that the US President is just going to stand by as this group takes over military bases, makes globally reaching decisions, and threatens war? In fact, no one, not the FBI/CIA/Homeland Security, is able to root out any of this, but a simple news reporter could? Not hardly.
And then there are the sloppy mistakes, somethings that should have been caught in editing. "She also got a permit and bought a handgun-she refuses to touch an automatic, she considers them killing machines that should be banned" (uhh, handguns cannot be "automatic"?). And identifying the second in command of an important military base as a Corporal. And having to identify any (several) characters as being "black"; you didn't id the other characters as white/asian/etc, why does it matter if they are black? Or charging a Canadian citizen with treason against the US, is that really an option?
Despite the main character being kidnapped, threatened, having inside info on numerous murders, she blindly plunges forward, never alerting law enforcement. And despite her having knowledge about where nuclear missiles are being readied against the US in Canada, instead of calling out the calvary, she flies to Canada, where she single-handedly takes down the base where the missiles are, preventing their launch in the nick of time (where they were to be launched with the stereotypical red button).
And, finally, after approximately 330 pages, the entire "suspenseful" ending is done in about 3 pages. Very rushed and unsatisfying.
I would really like to see this concept rewritten in a more thought out, "believable" manner. That would be a good book!
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LibraryThing member Virginia51
This has a great storyline. I love the characters. They are so real. Each of these characters are so like real people. They all learn some valuable lessons along the way. This story has many twists and turns. There are way too many people out there that can be led so easily by someone who is
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charismatic. It is a spooky thought. I look forward to the next book in this series. I received a copy of this book from Smith Publicity for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will. Show Less
LibraryThing member lamb521
Title: The Separatists (A Newsmakers Novel #3)
Author: Lis Wiehl with Sebastian Stuart
Pages: 340
Year: 2017
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
My rating is 4 out of 5 stars.
Erica Sparks is back in her third book of the Newsmakers series. This time a powerful woman from North Dakota is proposing secession from
Erica has also come up with an idea for a new television show that focuses on one issue per month. The secession of North Dakota will be the first episode. Erica also sees her marriage of 18 months floundering and failing. She is at the peak of her career and works untold hours. Her husband is languishing in his consulting business and longs to re-enter the world of news. Jealousy rears its ugly head and another woman seems overly interested in Erica’s husband. Erica’s 13-year-old daughter is also rebelling and causing Erica to feel guilt and insecurity. As Erica continues her investigative reporting, she is threatened and people start dying. The pressure mounts as Erica must juggle career and family.
While this is a compelling story and one that kept me riveted to the pages, I’m still wondering why this is published by a Christian publisher. There is nothing about God or faith in the story. This is a book I could have picked up in any secular section of any bookstore. There was also a homosexual encounter in the story that I didn’t think added anything, but instead detracted. Overall, I have enjoyed the stories in this series because they are intense, suspenseful and intriguing. Erica Sparks in not a character I can relate to, but I find her interesting to read about. They are current and could have been taken from any media outlet today. I would like to see God in the story though.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Author: Lis Wiehl with Sebastian Stuart
Pages: 340
Year: 2017
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
My rating is 4 out of 5 stars.
Erica Sparks is back in her third book of the Newsmakers series. This time a powerful woman from North Dakota is proposing secession from
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the United States. She plans to fight the local senator for his seat as he is up for re-election. If she wins, her public political agenda has avowed secession in a nonviolent manner. Her private agenda, however, is something much more dangerous. Erica is tasked with covering the story and interviewing this woman who is not what she appears to be.Erica has also come up with an idea for a new television show that focuses on one issue per month. The secession of North Dakota will be the first episode. Erica also sees her marriage of 18 months floundering and failing. She is at the peak of her career and works untold hours. Her husband is languishing in his consulting business and longs to re-enter the world of news. Jealousy rears its ugly head and another woman seems overly interested in Erica’s husband. Erica’s 13-year-old daughter is also rebelling and causing Erica to feel guilt and insecurity. As Erica continues her investigative reporting, she is threatened and people start dying. The pressure mounts as Erica must juggle career and family.
While this is a compelling story and one that kept me riveted to the pages, I’m still wondering why this is published by a Christian publisher. There is nothing about God or faith in the story. This is a book I could have picked up in any secular section of any bookstore. There was also a homosexual encounter in the story that I didn’t think added anything, but instead detracted. Overall, I have enjoyed the stories in this series because they are intense, suspenseful and intriguing. Erica Sparks in not a character I can relate to, but I find her interesting to read about. They are current and could have been taken from any media outlet today. I would like to see God in the story though.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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LibraryThing member Harley0326
The book is a very timely book and could easily be front page news today. In recent months we have seen groups start to become more vocal in their stance against the government. The author explodes with a heart pounding standoff right in our backyard. I found Erica to be a very strong character. I
I wasn't that thrilled to read about Erica's daughter and her rebellious attitude. Erica's husband sounded a bit jealous of his wife's raising stardom and tension can be felt between them. With Erica focused on her new tv program, her marriage starts to suffer. I think Erica has ruffled some feathers with her new program and her investigation into a woman who wants to take the senate seat away from someone up for re-election. Can this woman win? Does she have a secret agenda? With all this going on, Erica starts to feel the pressure as bodies start piling up. I loved the intense drama in the story and the twists that the author throws at readers unexpectedly. Overall a good book with enough action to keep readers interested.
I received a copy of this book from The Fiction Guild. The review is my own opinion.
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love her gutsy attitude and fierce determination to bring news in an honest and direct way. Erica has her work cut out for her in this story that draws a line between the government and a small group that is willing to go up against a power that has the backing of the president of the United States. Has Erica found more going on with this group that could be a threat to the safety of American citizens? I wasn't that thrilled to read about Erica's daughter and her rebellious attitude. Erica's husband sounded a bit jealous of his wife's raising stardom and tension can be felt between them. With Erica focused on her new tv program, her marriage starts to suffer. I think Erica has ruffled some feathers with her new program and her investigation into a woman who wants to take the senate seat away from someone up for re-election. Can this woman win? Does she have a secret agenda? With all this going on, Erica starts to feel the pressure as bodies start piling up. I loved the intense drama in the story and the twists that the author throws at readers unexpectedly. Overall a good book with enough action to keep readers interested.
I received a copy of this book from The Fiction Guild. The review is my own opinion.
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LibraryThing member Cherylk
I am very sadden to have to rate this book so low. I have enjoyed these books a lot. Yet, this time I struggled a lot with this book. Although, I like that it seemed to tackle current events. For example, the story seemed to be inspired some from the Bundy standoff with the FBI in Oregon as well as
Yet, none of the characters were interesting or had a strong, loud voice in the story. Even Erica was muted and not herself this time. It felt like forever for me to get to the half way mark. After that, I had no desire to continue on with this book. In fact, I can't even remember most of what I read. Not a best showing in my opinion of this author's talent. I hope that the next book is better.
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the Dakota Access Pipeline project. So, I like the modern feel that this book had with current events. Yet, none of the characters were interesting or had a strong, loud voice in the story. Even Erica was muted and not herself this time. It felt like forever for me to get to the half way mark. After that, I had no desire to continue on with this book. In fact, I can't even remember most of what I read. Not a best showing in my opinion of this author's talent. I hope that the next book is better.
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Language
Original language
English
Physical description
352 p.; 8.35 inches
ISBN
0718039106 / 9780718039103