"In My Book" - by Melany Wilks

July 4th and our day to celebrate freis edom may have come and gone, but I never tire of sharing materials that help others consider our history. A historical fiction item written by Steve Berry will bring readers to consider the

consequences of actions taken. “The Lincoln Myth,” by Steve Berry. It is book nine of the Cotton Malone Series. This historical genre starts out with President Lincoln talking personally to General Fremont’s wife, Jesse Benton Fremont.  She was representing her husband to Lincoln. She is no shrinking flower to politics nor power. She had served her husband when he ran as the first candidate for the Republican Party, and had been the daughter of a U.S. Senator. Her husband, John Fremont has been appointed general and commander of the West by Lincoln. Fremont had just taken some action that Lincoln disliked. The two were arguing about the next steps and consequences.  Frantic hours pass as others give their opinions. Lincoln is now facing the agony of a Civil War. Read the rest of the book, enjoy the way this best-selling  author weaves the story together.

A mystery with a bit of national theme is "A Promise At Bluebell Hill,” by Emma Cane. This is book four of Valentine Valley Series. Protagonist, Travis Beaumont is on assignment in Valentine Valley. As a Secret Service Agent for the President of the United States, he is working diligently to establish a safe haven for the wedding of the Presidents son. However, he has just observed gorgeous florist. As he entered the florist shop, self-employed shop owner, Monica Shaw was busy making arrangements. She looked up and saw this “square-jawed Captain American face,” walk into her shop (p. 2). She watched him walk out of the shop and go to the next business. Each time he went in, he came out with nothing. Monica thought this was strange and commented to employee Karista that the man was more than a tourist.  Monica decided she was going to follow him at a distance and find out why he was observing men and women intently. As he made his way to his hotel, he positioned himself to challenge Monica for trailing him. The dialogue ensues and the reader is drawn into a fun enjoyable novel.