[Musing Maddie's Review]: "The Missionary"

The Missionary by Jack Wilder
Publisher: Jack Wilder (October 8, 2013) 

Genre: New Adult Contemporary

Ex-Navy SEAL Stone Pressfield has a bad feeling about the proposed church missions trip to Manila, Philippines. The college-age church group plans to go to Manila and help victims of the sex-trafficking industry. Stone's lingering nightmare memories about the sex-trafficking industry have him warning church leaders that the trip is a bad idea. He knows all too well that it could end in violence, and those involved aren't to be trifled with.

When beautiful Wren Morgan goes missing, he has a sick feeling that he knows exactly who took her, and for what purpose. The problem is, Wren isn't just any other student. She's someone he's close to, someone he cares about. Now she's in the hands of cruel, evil men, and Stone is the only one who can rescue her before the unthinkable happens.

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Musing Maddie's Review:

Jack Wilder has his own style when writing. The Missionary was gripping, graphic, emotive. Thought provoking. Amidst a dark, yet hopeful story, there was impressive descriptive prose. Eloquent despite the horrid circumstances.

"A squeeze of the trigger, and Stone watched a small round hole begin to weep ruby in the darkness. Three bodies. Stone moved on, shutting away the images in the dark mental place where he pushed all such images."

The story, written in third person past tense, was gripping. Continually moving. Intense. Then, also poignant.

"Sobbing wasn't really the word for it. It was something beyond sobbing. It was the sound of a soul being shattered, of terror and pain finally being given true vent."

Stone and Wren. Despite the plot being fairly predictable with war-hardened SEAL desiring but not feeling worthy of sweet, seemingly innocent and warm woman, we met two wonderful, deeply connected characters. Incredible depth and emotion. Loved them. Their exquisite chemistry was delicious to read. I would have liked the chance to delve a little deeper into their history. I would have liked to have read more. (Hence the four star rating over a five.) The ending was a little abrupt, but rescued by the Epilogue.



The issue of Human Trafficking is not a pleasant one to read about which is why The Missionary was a hard book to digest, especially when you realise it's based on true stories. I'm incredibly proud to review a book where proceeds are going back into the charity associated. Jack Wilder, you have a new fan. 

 4 STARS!

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Musing Maddie received an e-ARC of this book from author in exchange for her honest opinion.

*Note: The quotes used belong to Jack Wilder; Musing Maddie and TBQ's Book Palace do not claim them.

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Meet Musing Maddie:

Musing Maddie is an avid reader, who mainly devours all things romance. She loves series, but only when the story warrants a few books rather than one. A strong, intelligent female with a bit of sass and wit is the preferred heroine in the books she reads, and some sizzle between the sheets is welcome too. Well, ok...more than welcome! Well, not just between the sheets is just fine too! She’s from Down Under, so her humor is on the crazy side. Captivating storylines, with well developed plot and yes, hot, hunky Heroes, is definitely a preference, but she loves it when the characters are damaged, and their story brings hope and restoration. Yes please to HEAs!

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Thanks for the review, MM! I'll have to put this on my list for when I want a good, slightly dark, NA to read. 

I have to say though that when I saw the title, my mind took a very bad turn. Being from UT, with the LDS church everywhere, my mind automatically went the church missionaries. And then of course my mind also took that thought and made it dirty... *shudders* I think I'll burn in hell for that thought someday. But, anyway, ignore my random thoughts today. I blame the cold weather.


Does this sound like a book you'd like to read? 

Enjoy!



Until Next Time,


*TBQ's Book Palace is a member of both the Amazon and Barnes and Nobles affiliates program. By using the links provided to buy products from either website, I receive a very small percentage of the order. To read my full disclosure on the matter, please see this post!