This is a beautiful and moving story. It reaches in and grabs you and does not let go even once you finish it. Based on true events, Darrin and Heather and their friends and fellow soldiers bring life and faces to events that countless soldiers faced during the War On Terror and made it real for me. Their story is raw and painful but also hopeful, hope in the only true hope-Jesus Christ. A wonderful read!

Indivisible is based on the true story of Army Chaplain Darren Turner and his wife Heather and the life changing effects of his first deployment to Iraq in 2007. In this novel you follow Darren as he is deployed and his wife, Heather as she is left to manage the homefront. Despite a strong marriage both face challenges that will rock their marriage and change life as they knew it.

For me as the wife of a veteran, this story pulls at my heart and brought back vivid memories of my husband’s deployment when were just newlyweds. It highlights the PTSD that several of our friends have been left with years after leaving the military. I knew the ache that Heather felt while Darren was gone and the helplessness that she felt both during and after his deployment.

The way that that the story is written leaves much to be desired, instead of a flow to the book it it seems like part of it were haphazardly thrown together. Instead of adding to the story, it detracted from it. If you are able to look past that you will find the Turners story to be one of Love, Loss and God’s grace thru it all.

I received an advance copy of this book from Celebrate Lit, this did not influence my review and all opinions are my own.

As a military spouse, I really related to this story in so many ways. This is one of those stories that will stick with me for a long time. The writing was very well done and the story develops beautifully. Really enjoyed reading this and thankful for those who give a voice to the struggles of service members and their families.

I wasn't sure what to expect, but I enjoyed reading this. An interesting story with fun characters. Well written.

This is a real page turner. I will be buying the book to add to my collection. I really recommend this to anyone that want to reads a good book.

A heartfelt story of what our military families face during and after deployment. We often don't see the hardships these brave families and servicemen endure in order to protect our country. As a former military wife who went through the majority of her pregnancy alone with no family within a thousand mile radius, few people to call friends and little knowledge about military base life,the deployment of my then husband made for a hard and often miserable 8 months. Though our marriage didn't survive long after his return, we also didn't have the strength that comes from relying upon God to help us through. But this story proves with God anything is possible, if we know where to put our trust and preserve through the hardships we face God will prevail! And remember it isn't just the servicemen/women who sacrifice, it's also their families. I'm thankful for this book bringing to light what so many people in the military are facing everywhere everyday.

This book adaptation of the movie by the same title does an excellent job of life for our men and women in the military. We get a glimpse of what they face during deployments and the strain it puts on families. We see how the spouses at home are just as much heroes as the soldiers deployed. The reader also gets a look at the difficulties of returning home and trying to fit back into the "normal" family life after being deployed and what it is like for many who are suffering from PTSD.

Because this is an adaptation of the film, at times the story seems rushed and some details lost in the retelling. That being said, I still enjoyed the story and look forward to seeing the film this book is adapted from.

My thanks to the publisher, Thomas Nelson, for an advanced copy of the book for my honest opinion.

Have your tissues close by because this story is full of emotion. Darren and Heather appear to be that couple that everyone wants to be. Loving, loyal, followers of Christ, and like they have it together. Nothing, not even war could tear them apart. But what you see as you read through the book is not just how war changed them as a couple, but how it changed them as individual people. I don't have family member in the military right now, so I've never experienced first hand what war can do to a person. It was so heartbreaking to read what Darren went through, what he witnessed, and how it changed him completely. Thrasher paints a vivid picture (not graphic in any way) of the war scene. What's amazing to me is the response different soldiers have to Christ during the most difficult time in their life. There was one character in particular (I won't give it away!) that just kept brushing it off. I was actually worried at one point, but then you see the power of the Holy Spirit just slowly work on his heart. It really gave me hope for some people in my life right now that keep brushing the Lord to the side. While they may not be in an earthly war right now, they certainly are suffering through an internal war, one that I hope the Holy Spirit will continue to work on their hearts over.

The thing I loved most about this book was seeing Heather's perspective. Quite often when we thinking about war, we think about the impact it has on the soldiers. Heather reminds us, as does Darren, that war affects so many people, especially the families back home. I could not imagine being a wife to someone who comes home one day a completely different person. I wouldn't know how to react or respond. How do you live your daily life taking care of your children alone, and not feel the slightest bit resentment? Heather's story really opened up my eyes to this fact, and makes me wish I could do something. The power that this little story has is amazing, and I imagine if it has touched my heart this much, then it will touch many others as well.

This poignant story is one that will stay with me forever. And while I cannot wait to see the movie, I am almost nervous about it after reading the book. I know I'll cry, but most important I'm not sure how the big screen is going to be able to connect with me in the way that the book did by seeing the internal thoughts of Darren and Heather. I highly recommend reading the book first - perhaps that is the reader in me speaking. It will touch your heart and speak to your soul. I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own

Clean; Christian faith and Inspirational read
Darren and Heather's story of faith and family as they struggle with separation during a military deployment, and Darren's return after as he tries to reconcile his deployment and come back to his 'life' in Christ, and with his loved ones as he struggles is heartfelt, real, poignant, and of course faith promoting. Definitely a tissue read at the end. The reality of the terrors, hurts, and fear during the deployment, the dangers and the struggles while supporting others in their weakness and fear was so beautifully told. Real, ragged, hurting and hopeful in the midst of the terror, and a beautiful heartfelt emotional ending. Here is to hope in the face of death, reality, and terror, along with the glory of living and loyalty and love in the face of trials and trouble. Glorious beautiful read for anyone who has Christian faith. Strong, struggling characters, struggling and working to do their best, fight the good fight. Beautiful, honest, real supporting characters in their friends and comrades. Setting and backstory was so beautifully, and realistically portrayed.

Indivisible

A Novelization

by Travis Thrasher

Thomas Nelson–FICTION

Thomas Nelson

Christian , General Fiction (Adult)

Pub Date 23 Oct 2018

I am reviewing a copy of Indivisible through Thomas Nelson-Fiction and Netgalley:

When Darren Turner is deployed to Iraq as an army Chaplain his wife Heather vows to help serve military families back home where she cares for their three young children.

Darren realizes he is overseas to support the troops in their suffering as a Chaplain. What he is not sure of is how he is going to get through his darkest moments. As time goes on Darren communicates less with Heather leaving her to wonder what’s happening to his heart. As time goes on she To grows weary of day to day life of the Military base- thinking of all there children’s milestones Darren will never see, each morning waiting for orders, every night waiting for that knock on the door.

When Darren returns he has changed. Darren is no longer the husband she once knew and she has changed too she’s no longer the woman that he wed. Now that he’s at home the Turners face their most difficult battle, the one to save their wedding.

I give Indivisible five out of five stars!

Happy Reading

One Marriage, One Family Under God

This book is the novelization of a movie and is based on true events. Darren and Heather Turner, a couple committed to God and country and each other, but when life throws them a curve ball they are a little unprepared to handle it.

Darren is a Army Chaplain and sent to Iraq for 15 months. Heather holds down the fort at home and gets involved with support groups etc. for army wives, especially the group that provides support after a wife receives news of the death of her husband. All this is done while living on pins and needles, always wondering when the knock will happen at your door that rips your life apart.

So while I'm not a proponent of war, the substance of this book is very, very good. Regardless, we are in a spiritual war where Satan is waiting to trip us up and destroy us and our families. And in this book, he was using the scars and the battle wounds worn internally on Darren to do it. And he nearly succeeds, but not quite. And that is all the spoilers I want to give there except to say that it required vulnerability and trust on Darren's part to work through the internal wounding he had experienced.

One of the amazing things in this book is when Darren's children all of a sudden run to their bedroom to pray for their dad and that was the time when Darren's convoy was in trouble. What a great God we serve.

"My family and I - we've made a promise to each other to protect ourselves from anything the might try to divide us. We've learned the best way for us to do that is to pout on the Armor of God and to seek to honor Him in all that we do. And we want to invite our brothers and sisters here and abroad to do the same."

One thing I do want to say is that the book is a bit challenging to read in a way. I did have an early copy where there were still corrections to be made, but this didn't seem like something that would be corrected. And that was the way the book went back and forth between present and past tense. One part of the book would say like "Darren sat down and thought about...." and the next part would say "Darren walks over to the young man" etc. While it is fine, I found it just a bit distracting to the overall ease of reading.

However, for the overall theme of the book: redemption, second chances, God's grace, etc. I would recommend it and I will definitely be interested in watching the movie as well. Along with that there is also a nonfiction book called Indivisible:One Marriage Under God by Robert Noland. This is a devotional for couples also based off the movie and the life of Darren and Heather Turner.

This is a Thomas Nelson book that I received through NetGalley and was not required to write a positive review.

This was a wonderful novelization of the true story of Darren and Heather Turner!
I haven’t seen the movie but it must be as emotional and inspiring as the book. I look forward to watching it. But I always like to read the book first.
This is an intense and emotional story about Darren’s deployment to Iraq as a military chaplain, and Heather managing her day to day life with her three kids and helping other military families. It shows their struggles and how they survive through very dark times, both during Darren’s deployment and then after his returning home, scarred and changed. Both of them are not the same after what they’ve been through and they need to understand what is going on in each other’s mind and heart.
I loved how realistic it was. It shows lives of christian people who are not perfect, are flawed, and struggle as anybody else. That’s what being a Christian is. God doesn’t take away the suffering but He gives you the strength to overcome anything that He allows to come your way.
This is a story of real love, mercy, forgiveness and compassion. I loved it and my heart ached and rooted for this couple.
I loved the characters, and there’s a lot of message to learn behind them. It’s inspiring and uplifting but not preachy.
I liked the second half much better than the first part. I shed some tears, both of sorrow and happiness.
I highly recommend this book! A worthy read!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

After seeing the trailer for the upcoming Indivisible movie, I was super excited to see that I had been approved for an ARC of this book. Knowing that the story of Darren and Heather Turner is in fact based off of the Turner family's true life experience only made me enjoy this book more. I really enjoyed the way this book was broken into three parts of pre-deployment, deployment, and reintegration. It really helped the pacing and progression of both the story and the characters. The difficult emotions of loss, homesickness, and maintaining faith throughout the cruelties of war were eloquently written. Thrasher has written a truly inspiring story about life, love, and trusting God's plan even if it isn't what you imagined.
I voluntarily received an ARC of this book in exchange for and honest review.

This is a very heartfelt book based on a true story. A very honest insight to an Army chaplain and his family's life. Darren and his wife, Heather felt led by God to the ministry. Shortly after joining the Army, Darren is deployed to Iraq where he ministers to many and faces the harsh reality of war. Meanwhile Heather at home with three young children is doing everything she can to support and encourage the wives. When Darren comes home, he is unable to leave the memories behind and will need to find his way back. Highly recommended!

Just WOW! Only after finishing the book, did I realize this is based on a true story. Amazing story! First, I want to thank Darren and Heather Turner for sharing their story with us. What an eye opener for me to the military life of both the one serving and the family back at home.
Darren left his family to serve overseas as an army chaplain. His wife, serves the wives left, like herself at home. She is quick to console the wife who has just learned of her husband's death, to help in any way she can, while taking care of her and Darren's three children and the home. Heather has an outlet, photography, which she loves.
Darren sees and experiences the unthinkable overseas and his faith is sorely tested. He returns home, finally, but a man very different than the one who left fifteen months earlier. He is now very angry and withdrawn from his family. He is experiencing flashbacks and nightmares that he isn't able to share with his wife. Heather is scared and confused, as she doesn't understand what is going on with her husband.
They find their marriage in serious trouble.
This book is full of God and faith, which I appreciate. I sincerely enjoyed their story and cried many times throughout it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

As a military spouse this book resonated with me. While a soldier may serve overseas, their families serve as well. Loved how this book showed both sides and how deployments affect everyone. It’s a must read

Indivisible by Travis Thrasher
Starts with a woman Heather and she's talking about the first day she met her husband and he's right there with her but not there at all, he has PTSD.
Story goes back in time to the war Darren is listening to a radio broakcast from the president about the war overseas. Darren is a chaplain and is being trained with infantry unit and to head to Iraq soon.
Love hearing of th eimagination the children have while unpacking to their new house.
Army men birthday candles-priceless! Love charity work she does, photo taking, gathering things for soldiers Christmas stockings, and care packages.
What I really like is you hear how Heather is coping on the home front and helping other in the group to survive and you also hear how he's on in Bagdad helping others with their issues.
Love how Darren uses religion and God to help get his point across to those fighting the war with PTSD and he makes head way with them...
Feared something terrible would happen on one of their missions...
Received this review copy from Thomas Nelson--FICTION via Netgalley and this is my honest opinion.
#Indivisible #NetGalley

Indivisible by Travis Thrasher, is the novelization of the upcoming movie by David G. Evans. The synopsis is the same as the movie, obviously, so I'll just share my opinions:

I loved the progress of the story line and the raw emotion shown by the characters made this a very strong story.  I appreciated how the author used short chapters that made the story very easy and fast flowing.  I'll be honest -- I read the book before I saw the movie, and it really caused me to be excited to see the movie!

I liked how some of the chapters would switch to the present because it provided good emotional effects for some of the situations. I would say though, that this story wouldn't necessarily be good to share with some of your younger family members since there are some war scenes in the story (in movie version anyway).

Through this story, readers are provided with the truths of how difficult it is for families to be separated for long periods of time and the dangers that our soldiers face. It also shares the difficulties the military has when they come back home after facing war and death and how it changes everyone.  It makes me thank God everyday for the courage and strength of our military.

I was provided with a complimentary electronic advanced reader copy from Thomas Nelson through Net Galley in exchange for my post.  I was not required to post a positive review, but have chosen to do so because this book was great! Thank you!!

Based on a true story, Indivisible, by Travis Thrasher, tells of a minister and his wife that find themselves following God's call on their lives to become a chaplain in the Army. A call that takes them into the trials of war both in Iraq and on the home front.
This story truly sheds a small light on what our soldiers and their families face, both while they are deployed and after they return. Told with such depth and detail, the author did an incredible job of telling this story, I literally did not want to put it down. I loved the faith that was put into this story. The hope when it seemed all hope was lost.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit and Netgalley. I was not required to give a positive review. This is my honest opinion of this book.

The end is the beginning, seeing what Darren was like, at the end of his deployment, as a Chaplin in the Army, reading the story of how a man becomes broken down by what he sees, hears, feels and touches.
Darrin is a Chaplin sent to Iraq, who sees the horror of war, on the front lines. He builds friendships and gives men hope, but finds that he is changing and losing the hope, he is trying to help others see.
Heather is Darrin's wife who is trying to hold it altogether, for not only their three children, but also the military's wives, who are losing the fight in the battle of life, death and injuries, both physical and mental abound, Heather isn't sure she can be the strong one. This book is now a movie and I can't wait to see it.
Thanks NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for the advanced reading copy.