They thought it couldn't happen to them in their sleepy little insignificant community quietly nestled in our nation's heartland; but it did. Imagine the tranquility of a rural Midwest setting suddenly shattered by the intrusion of Islamic terrorists, with their conscription of illegal alien Mexican forces, as they attempt to launch stolen missiles and carry out a ruthless terrorist plot. In this story, characters of contrasting lifestyles are involved as a former romance is rekindled, a loved one succumbs of cancer, and as the terrorist threat gradually unfolds. There may be a time for everything in life's passing seasons, but the disruption caused by the impending terrorist attack was unthinkable. A handsome young hi-tech corporate executive, being transferred back to the area, and an attractive small town college instructor are the leading characters, supported by other strong characters in the roles of a retired judge, a retired history teacher, a retired minister, and a couple of Vietnam vets. After a few weeks of mysterious occurring events all mayhem breaks out in an Ozark national forest as the military and various Federal security agencies are deployed to defeat the threat and avoid a disaster of major national proportions. The action-filled scenes come alive with high-tech military weapons, surveillance equipment, and dialogue, as a local news helicopter is shot down by a shoulder-fired surface to air missile, and then escalates from there in the thoroughly engaging scenes that follow. The story however is much more than just a love story or military action thriller. It is a human interest story about maturing adults and how lives and perspectives naturally change during the normal life junctures. Some adult lifestyles are exciting, others mundane; from younger vigorous persons seeking romance and excitement to elders spending their last years in assisted living facilities and nursing homes. These various lifestyles and the perspectives of the characters are revealed throughout on common subjects ranging from religion to politics and including such other topics as historical accounts, the environment, and various other social issues. Despite their occasional personal life storms, these are the contented and serene lifestyles that are rudely interrupted as the terrorist induced life-threatening circumstances come crashing down around them. See the author's website link that follows for details about the book's Missouri regional setting and a complete synopsis: https: //johnkekecthepassingyears.wordpress.com (You can copy/paste the URL in search engine if necessary.)