What do You think about True Valor (2005)?
I have read maybe a dozen books by Dee Henderson and loved practically all of them giving them five stars. I did not enjoy True Valor nearly as much. she did not develop her characters enough, it was very surface in terms of their emotions, relationships, and their faith,; the scriptures used in this book did not resonate with me and the constant use of Air Force jargon which I did not understand made it a difficult read. My husband was navy and I have read Henderson's books about submarines, and solar systems and other technical areas with unique jargon and enjoyed them. She touches on some hard issues in this book about laying your life on the line for your country, the impact it has on loved ones, and the controversy of the U.S. entering into warfare in other countries. Yet it seemed almost as impersonal as a newspaper article.
—Melody
I was not as impressed with this book as I was with the first one. It may be my opinions about duel military families (I won't get into most of my military view points right now, not really wanting to offend others), sure I think that they can work out, but the reality of someone living in one area, and the other living somewhere different for a long period of time is just unrealistic to me. Air Force and Navy assignments, plus deployments, and thinking that a marriage can last through letters, come on. The way that things are described in the this book had me saying, "ya right" at times, but it was alright. I also didn't like how they thought it should be God, Country, and then Family. Even in the military when one spouse is required to be gone for a period of time I still think that the Family has a way of being a top priority and should be seen that way. I am excited to read the next book though and see what the new story will be.
—Christy
air force major bruce "striker" stanton has his sights set on navy pilot lt. grace "gracie" yates. he carefully plots out his pursuit of the beautiful blue eyed grace, approaching her at a bbq hosted by a mutual friend, then communicating with her by letters as they are sent of on their seperate missions. he has respect for her toughness, as a girl growing up with a dream to fly she bucked convention to rise up through the ranks and become a capable fighter pilot. bruce's job is as a medic recuing downed pilots or soldiers caught behind enemy lines. their courtship is daunting because of all the miles seperating them and the physical danger they face everyday.[return][return]style characterisics: pacing, clarity, structure, narrative devices, etc.[return]the story alternates points of view, mostly between grace and bruce with mutual friends also getting in on the action. of course with their occupations there is plenty of opportunity for action and adventure scenes. little touches, like the details about bruce's elderly dog, add a realistic touch to the story. [return][return]how good is it?[return]seemed to be about average for books of this type, not much to make it stand out.
—Deb
