More than a decade after the end of the cold war has chilled the Marxist rebel movements around the world, one hot spot remains: Colombia. Why a democratic country with a growing economy should still feel the brushfires of a civil war is a mystery to U.S. analysts, but not to certain parties on the other side of the world.
The inexplicable loss of three major U.S. assets draws the attention of the world to the Colombian demilitarized zone. Are the local Colombian rebels responsible? Or is a deadly Middle Eastern secret cloaked by the jungle canopy of the DMZ?
Among the contingent of politicians and media headed for the DMZ seeking answers is reporter Julie Baker, whose parents had been missionaries in Colombia. Old hurts and terrors surge as she revisits the place of her birth... and her parents' deaths. When Julie's own abduction by guerrillas triggers a time bomb that has been ticking under the feet of the U.S. for a decade, she is left with more questions than answers.
While this is not my usual choice of book subject, I enjoyed Veiled Freedom and I was anxious to read something else by Jeanette Windle. The book starts slowly and, honestly, I was ready to be done with it after 50 pages. I saw a couple of reviewers who said to stick with it and I'm so glad I did.
Once Julie enters the story, it really picks up and becomes an enthralling read. Julie is a strong, independent woman and I love stories with strong, independent women. Julie has determination and drive and is not only anxious for a story worthy of winning a Pulitzer Prize, but also has ghosts she needs to lay to rest. She believes that returning to the country of her childhood will allow her to do both. When her curiosity results in kidnapping, she has no idea what lies in store for her in the Colombian rain forest.
The book is fairly long and you will learn everything you ever wanted to know and more about the Colombian/American drug war, most of which I did not know. The politics and relationships are fascinating. You also meet Julie and Rick and join them on their adventure as they attempt to flee the guerrillas and discover the secrets hidden in the rain forest. With suspense, spies and handsome guerrillas, this is a compelling story about courage and faith and one that is difficult to set down.
Thanks to Amy at Litfuse Publicity for the opportunity to review this book. You can learn more about Jeanette Windle here. You can purchase your own copy here
.Read 4/11
* * * *
4/5 Stars
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