'The Military Wife' is an incredibly poignant look into the lives of those who so deserve our honor and respect. Laura Trentham brilliantly used a time period switching technique to provide backstory to bring the reader to the present. Difficult subjects are tenderly handled; young widowhood, PTSD, foster care and abandonment. I felt transported into the lives of Harper Lee, Bennett and Allison, and feel blessed by the sharing of their hearts of minds. I highly recommend this book!

5* Emotional Stars

This was an emotional story that was sad yet very heartwarming.

The book was told from Harper and Bennett’s POV. I liked that we got their thoughts as the book alternates between the past and the present.

It is a beautifully written story about love, loss and the struggles that the military men have to face once they return back to civilian life and that of their wives.

The story of Harper, who is a widow, and Bennett who was Harpers Husband Noah’s best friend in the military was very sad due to unforeseen circumstances. After Harper lost her only true love she never dreamt that love would blossom for her again. This was a slow burn romance. The secondary characters added to the story and they were equally as interesting with the hardships that they were dealing with such as PTSD.

The Military Wife was an excellent read and I loved the cover of the book too.

Many thanks to St Martin’s Press and NetGalley for my ARC to read and review.

I will admit I have many Laura Trentham books on my kindle to read and review and for some reason I picked them from the synopsis but kept putting them off. Now after reading this beautiful story I have extreme regrets about that. We can't turn back the clock, all I can do is amend that by reading what I have on my reader and not make that mistake again.

After reading The Last Letter by Rebecca Yarros, I was craving more military stories and this one totally fit the bill. Harper Lee Wilcox knew what she signed up for being a Military wife but losing her husband still didn't make it any easier. Her and her son are back home living with her mom, but Harper is trying to find her place now that Noah is gone.

At the same time, her best friend Allison is going through a tough time with her husband, whom also happened to be Noah's best friend. As Harper goes back to help Allison she also starts to realize some truths about Noah's death and the effects on the other best friend, Bennett Caldwell.

Harper wants to get the truth about Noah's death and she will go at it anyway she sees fit. Which is bombarding into Bennett's life. After you lose your husband you never think about falling in love again and especially not with one of his best friends, but Bennett and Harper connect in a way that even Noah would have approved from the other side.

This book was very well written and well paced. It had elements of intrigue and different layers from all the characters which makes us skip the nonsense of relationship angst and insecurities that are often the main theme in many romance books.

I can't wait for more from this author and this series.

This was a sweet, well-written book. Harper's been raising her son, now turning five, alone since his father, a Navy SEAL, passed away five years ago. Feeling restless and wanting to help other military wives, she comes up with an idea to open a string of coffee houses near military bases. She crosses paths with Bennett, her husband's best friend and also a former Navy SEAL. The present and their common past is entwined and they both have to find a way to move forward. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading other books by this author.

To be honest, I was not overly excited about reading a book about military wives. I don't know what I expected but I am so luckily that my love for Laura Trentham outweighed my reluctance because I loved everything about this book. Everything. And there was a lot to love- laughter, tears, cute children, a dog I want to adopt, amazing friendships, loss, struggle, and a grumpy hero with a heart the size of the world. There was so much emotion in this story that there were time I was reading with my heart in my throat. Trentham tackles serious topics without a single false note and still manages to inject the sweetest love story. Or really stories because there is more than one romance in these pages as well as several other types of love.

All the stars for this one.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Tear jerker alert. This story was well told and made me stay up all night to find out what happened to Noah. Harper and Bennet were meant to be together - but neither realized it until their mutal friend almost commited suicide. Noah and Harper were married - but Harper was not happy living on military bases - she felt useless. They met during the summer before she started college and he training to be a US NAVY Seal (BUDS). They kept their relationshio going for four years before they married. Bennet came to know Haroer throught her letter to Noah. Noah was Bennets best friend and fellow Seal. The two of them went through Hell Week in the military -trainig to be SEALS. Bennet was jealous of the relationship Noah and Harper had - he though hid is well for years - to protect himself and his friendship with Noah. Upon Noah's death - Bennet is forced to keep a promise he made to Noah - to protect Harper and their unborn baby.

Bennet does not see himself as loveable - he was raised in foster care from 11 years of age untill he was finally adpoted by a retired army vet. It was through Sarge that found himslef. Unfortunally Sarge died before he could see Bennet graduate BUDS training.

Make sure you have tissue ready - this story made me root for Harper and Bennet to finaly wake up and fall in love. They both loved Noah - and through their mutal love they realize that they can have a future together - provided Bennet can forgive himself anf Harper can accept changes - accept that she is capable of having a long term, relationship with another man.

Please read the book to find out how they fight for their mutal friend and thereby fall in love themselves/

The Military Wife deals with love, loss and the heroism of the women who hold everything together while their men are deployed. As a military wife, I could identify with the characters in this book. It is well-written and emotional.

Harper Lee Wilcox is the widow of a Navy SEAL, raising her five-year-old son, Ben, who never knew his father. Noah was killed in action shortly before Ben’s birth. Harper is trying to keep her life together while struggling to raise her son without a father.

Bennett was a teammate of Noah’s. He made a promise to Noah and is doing his best to keep it while trying to ignore his attraction to Noah’s widow.

The Military Wife addresses the difficult issue of PTSD. Harper’s best friend, Allison’s husband Darren was a SEAL teammate of Noah’s. He refuses to get help for his PTSD and their marriage is falling apart. Their struggles were portrayed realistically.

This book is a departure from Ms. Trentham’s usual small town romance book. In my opinion it is one of her best books. I definitely recommend this book.

I received an Advanced Reader’s Copy of The Military Wife from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Harper Lee Wilcox has only loved one man. Noah Wilcox, a Navy SEAL and the father of her son, Ben. It's been 5 years since his death and  she is ready for a new challenge. She also wants answers. She doesn't want the standard military version, she wants to know everything. 

While visiting with another SEAL wife, also her best friend, Allison, she finds out that the man who showed up at her door after Noah's death with a certificate of bravery and $100,000.00 is Bennett, Noah's best friend in the Navy who was there when he died. But he isn't talking. He's fighting his own demons and trying to keep a promise he made to Noah. And soon they are falling in love.

I really enjoyed the telling of the lives of military wives. How much they give up to follow their husbands career, having to give up their own. It doesn't matter how many degrees you have when prospective employers won't hire you because you will probably not be in one place very long. And I loved Harper's idea of a business that could be an ideal fit for the wives who want something more than volunteering.

PTSD is in the forefront here also. While I believe this was a Romance book, it was nicely balanced by real life issues and fears and how to cope with something you don't even understand.

Netgalley/ February 5th 2019 by St. Martin's Griffin

Writing the final women’s fiction post for HEA is such a bittersweet moment. It has been an honor to share noteworthy women’s fiction books with you, and I am glad that I have this one last opportunity to do so.
This blog is a hodgepodge — with books that are out now and are soon to be released and won’t be out until months later.
Happy reading …
Night of Miracles by Elizabeth Berg (out now)
What it’s about:
The feel-good book of the year: a delightful novel of friendship, community, and the way small acts of kindness can change your life, by the bestselling author of The Story of Arthur Truluv
Lucille Howard is getting on in years, but she stays busy. Thanks to the inspiration of her dearly departed friend Arthur Truluv, she has begun to teach baking classes, sharing the secrets to her delicious classic Southern yellow cake, the perfect pinwheel cookies, and other sweet essentials. Her classes have become so popular that she’s hired Iris, a new resident of Mason, Missouri, as an assistant. Iris doesn’t know how to bake but she needs to keep her mind off a big decision she sorely regrets.
When a new family moves in next door and tragedy strikes, Lucille begins to look out for Lincoln, their son. Lincoln’s parents aren’t the only ones in town facing hard choices and uncertain futures. In these difficult times, the residents of Mason come together and find the true power of community—just when they need it the most.
The right stuff: Perfect for this time of year. Full of wonderful friendships and heartwarming moments. A bit bittersweet, but readers are left more with the feeling that kindness can work miracles than any sadness.
In Dog We Trust by Beth Kendrick (Jan. 8)
What it’s about:
When everything has gone to the dogs …
When Jocelyn Hillier is named legal guardian for the late Mr. Allardyce’s pack of pedigreed Labrador retrievers, her world is flipped upside down. She’s spent her entire life toiling in the tourism industry in Black Dog Bay and never expected to be living the pampered life of a seasonal resident in an ocean side mansion, complete with a generous stipend. But her new role isn’t without its challenges: The dogs (although lovable) are more high-maintenance than any Hollywood diva, the man she wants to marry breaks her heart, and she’s confronted at every turn by her late benefactor’s estranged son, Liam, who thinks he’s entitled to the inheritance left to the dogs.
Jocelyn has worked too hard to back down without a fight, and she’s determined to keep her new fur family together. As she strives to uphold the “Best in Show” standards her pack requires, Jocelyn finds love, family, and forgiveness in the most unexpected places.
The right stuff: Zany Black Dog Bay is back! Full of wonderful characters, sometimes adorable dogs and second chances at love. All the things we’ve come to love about this series! (See a fun Q&A on HEA with Beth about In Dog We Trust.)
The Best of Us by Robyn Carr (Jan. 8)
What it’s about:
Dr. Leigh Culver loves practicing medicine in Timberlake, Colorado. It is a much-needed change of pace from her stressful life in Chicago. The only drawback is she misses her aunt Helen, the woman who raised her. But it’s time that Leigh has her independence, and she hopes the beauty of the Colorado wilderness will entice her aunt to visit often.
Helen Culver is an independent woman who lovingly raised her sister’s orphaned child. Now, with Leigh grown, it’s time for her to live life for herself. The retired teacher has become a successful mystery writer who loves to travel and intends to never experience winter again.
When Helen visits Leigh, she is surprised to find her niece still needs her, especially when it comes to sorting out her love life. But the biggest surprise comes when Leigh takes Helen out to Sullivan’s Crossing and Helen finds herself falling for the place and one special person. Helen and Leigh will each have to decide if they can open themselves up to love neither expected to find and seize the opportunity to live their best lives.
The right stuff: Dare I say it? This feels like almost the conclusion to the Sullivan’s Crossing series, with all the loose ends tied up so neatly with two engaging romances and appearances by the cast of characters.
The Secret Life of Mac by Melinda Metz (Jan. 29)
What it’s about:
He’s the cat thief of love
MacGyver the tabby is feeling very pleased with himself. His human, Jamie Snyder, has found the perfect packmate—and it’s all thanks to Mac. By stealing personal items from the home of Jamie’s handsome neighbor David, the matchmaking cat brought these two L.A. singles together. Now, while the newlyweds are off on their honeymoon, MacGyver is ready for a well-deserved cat nap. That is, until he meets his cat sitter Briony. Like most humans, she’s hopeless when it comes to romance. And Mac can’t resist a challenge …
She’s found the escape claws
Briony feels terrible about leaving her fiancé at the altar. When her cousin Jamie offers her the chance to cat sit MacGyver, the runaway bride leaps at the chance to cuddle up with the only male creature she trusts herself around. But MacGyver has other plans. He lures Briony to a friendly neighborhood retirement community—run by a charming young hottie named Nate. Briony and Nate hit it off instantly. But Briony’s still not sure she’s ready for a relationship. And Nate’s got problems of his own—someone is sabotaging his community.
Crazy humans. Why can’t they follow their instincts and go after the love they deserve? MacGyver is on the case. And this time, he’s not pussyfooting around …
The right stuff: It seems apropos that my first post for HEA featured a book by Ms. Metz — Talk to the Paw, and so does the final one. Charming and cute sometimes get a bad name, but not in this case. Pure delightful escapism with plenty of laughs.
The Military Wife by Laura Trentham (Feb. 5)
What it’s about:
Harper Lee Wilcox has been marking time in her hometown of Kitty Hawk, North Carolina since her husband, Noah Wilcox’s death, nearly five years earlier. With her son Ben turning five and living at home with her mother, Harper fights a growing restlessness, worried that moving on means leaving the memory of her husband behind.
Her best friend, Allison Teague, is dealing with struggles of her own. Her husband, a former SEAL that served with Noah, was injured while deployed and has come home physically healed but fighting PTSD. With three children underfoot and unable to help her husband, Allison is at her wit’s end.
In an effort to reenergize her own life, Harper sees an opportunity to help not only Allison but a network of other military wives eager to support her idea of starting a string of coffee houses close to military bases around the country.
In her pursuit of her dream, Harper crosses paths with Bennett Caldwell, Noah’s best friend and SEAL brother. A man who has a promise to keep, entangling their lives in ways neither of them can foresee. As her business grows so does an unexpected relationship with Bennett. Can Harper let go of her grief and build a future with Bennett even as the man they both loved haunts their pasts?
The right stuff: Nicely done story of husband’s best friend to lover! Complex relationship issues will keep you turning the pages. Perfect feel-good ending.
I Owe You One by Sophie Kinsella (Feb. 5)
What it’s about:
Fixie Farr has always lived by her father’s motto: “Family first.” And since her dad passed away, leaving his charming housewares store in the hands of his wife and children, Fixie spends all her time picking up the slack from her siblings instead of striking out on her own. The way Fixie sees it, if she doesn’t take care of her father’s legacy, who will?
It’s simply not in Fixie’s nature to say no to people. So when a handsome stranger in a coffee shop asks her to watch his laptop for a moment, she not only agrees—she ends up saving it from certain disaster. To thank Fixie for her quick thinking, the computer’s owner, Sebastian, an investment manager, scribbles an IOU on a coffee sleeve and attaches his business card. Fixie laughs it off—she’d never actually claim an IOU from a stranger. Would she?
But then Fixie’s childhood crush, Ryan, comes back into her life, and his lack of a profession pushes all of Fixie’s buttons. As always, she wants nothing for herself—but she’d love Seb to give Ryan a job. No sooner has Seb agreed than the tables are turned once more and a new series of IOUs between Seb and Fixie—from small favors to life-changing moments—ensues. Soon Fixie, Ms. Fixit for everyone else, is torn between her family and the life she really wants. Does she have the courage to take a stand? Will she finally grab the life, and love, she really wants?
The right stuff: Sophie Kinsella writes wonderful stories about heroines going from low self-esteem to finally getting it right, and this definitely fits the bill. Humor, lots of character growth and a sweet romance.
Gimme Some Sugar by Molly Harper (April 2)
What it’s about:
Lucy Brewer would never have guessed that her best friend, Duffy McCready (of McCready’s Bait Shop & Funeral Home) has been in love with her since they were kids. Fear of rejection and his own romantic complications prevented Duffy from confessing his true feelings in high school, so he stood by and watched her wed Wayne Bowman right after high school. Wayne had always been a cheapskate, so it comes as no surprise when he suffers a fatal accident while fixing his own truck.
Even as her family and friends invade Lucy’s life and insist that the new widow is too fragile to do much beyond weeping, Lucy is ashamed to admit that life without Wayne is easier, less complicated. After all, no one knew what a relentless, soul-grinding trudge marriage to Wayne had been. Only Duffy can tell she’s hiding something.
In need of a fresh start, Lucy asks Duffy to put his cabinet-building skills to use, transforming the town’s meat shop into a bake shop. As the bakery takes shape, Lucy and Duffy discover the spark that pulled them together so many years ago. Could this finally be the second chance he’s always hoped for?
The right stuff: Perfect blend of wacky, poignant and amusing. Escaping into one of Molly Harper’s book is pure entertainment.
Things You Save in a Fire by Katherine Center (Aug. 13)
What it’s about:
Cassie Hanwell was born for emergencies. As one of the only female firefighters in her Texas firehouse, she’s seen her fair share of them, and she’s a total pro at other people’s tragedies. But when her estranged and ailing mother asks her to give up her whole life and move to Boston, Cassie suddenly has an emergency of her own.
The tough, old-school Boston firehouse is as different from Cassie’s old job as it could possibly be. Hazing, a lack of funding, and poor facilities mean that the firemen aren’t exactly thrilled to have a “lady” on the crew—even one as competent and smart as Cassie. Except for the infatuation-inspiring rookie, who doesn’t seem to mind having Cassie around. But she can’t think about that. Because love is girly, and it’s not her thing. And don’t forget the advice her old captain gave her: Never date firefighters. Cassie can feel her resolve slipping…and it means risking it all—the only job she’s ever loved, and the hero she’s worked like hell to become.
Katherine Center’s Things You Save in a Fire is a heartfelt and healing tour-de-force about the strength of vulnerability, the nourishing magic of forgiveness, and the life-changing power of defining courage, at last, for yourself.
The right stuff: I know, you’re thinking, August? But this book is so good! Loved the juxtaposition of the hero’s and heroine’s roles. She’s the expert and he is the rookie. Fabulous forgiveness theme. Humorous and touching!
Leigh Davis is a former contributor to Heroes and Heartbreakers. When she is not reading, she’s usually outside throwing balls to her insatiable dogs. She loves hearing and talking about great books. You can connect with her on Twitter and Goodreads.
MORE ON HEA: See more posts by Leigh
Beth Kendrick, Elizabeth Berg, Katherine Center, Laura Trentham, Melinda Metz, Molly Harper, Robyn Carr, Sophie Kinsella, women's fiction, Recommended reads, Top stories

The sequence of events in this read are emotionally gritty!💚💙
I devoured this. I honestly did not read the blurb until I was finished and I think that is too vanilla for everything this journey makes you feel!
Covering quite an expanse of time, current day and flipping back to when Harper Lee first met Noah irritated me (just a tad) at first, but it explained so much as I continued to read, and transitions became so easy, my mind fell into whatever scenario was happening. I had to keep reading.
The storytelling will have you firing all emotions within seconds of each other it seems. The humor of Harper's emails/letters, then knowing that they are what kept the guys going at the very worst of times. Her and Bennett's conversations had me chuckling or crying.
The 2ndary characters just added more to the story. Jack London Bennet's rescue Newfie, Harper's Mom who was super strong and funny too, Allison and Darren who had their own very real problems, and Harper's son Ben who was her savior when she needed one, well that just made it all the more realistic.
A standalone with an HEA.
I received an ARC from the author thru Netgalley and am giving my honest opinion

I am an extremely picky reader when it comes to Women’s Fiction, but Laura Trentham is a firm favourite so there was never any question in me not reading The Military Wife. And she hits the mark bringing a strong, and at times moving story with endearing characters who show their strengths and weaknesses in equal measure. Perhaps I’ve simplynbeen picking the wrong authors and the wrong books in the past, but I’m glad I didn’t miss out here and would recommend to all.

This was a touching story of how a woman Harper, with son Ben, survives the death of her military husband Noah. Her mother helps Harper raise Ben. She also meets Allison, another military wife, who Harper can connect with. When Ben is five, Harper starts looking into how Noah died, and she finds Bennett, Noah's best friend in the military. Bennett isn't very forthcoming.

Laura Trentham leaves Cottonbloom, MS and her excellent Cottonbloom series to take on this stand-alone novel set in Kitty Hawk, NC. When the story begins, we are introduced to Harper Lee Wilcox. Harper lives with her five year old son and her mother after losing her husband in Afghanistan. Harper decides to go to Ft. Bragg to visit a friend and to try to find out information about how her husband Noah was killed. She is led to another Army friend of Noah’s, Bennett Caldwell, to find out vital information about his last maneuver. Bennett leads a solitary life and runs a wilderness survival company. The story revolves around the story of Harper and Bennett but there is another subplot about her friend Allison and her husband dealing with his PTSD. I appreciated how the author presented the topic of PTSD. She was thorough and thoughtful in the havoc that this disorder can cause. Ms. Trentham also showed her unchanging expertise for writing a tender, sensitive love story. She has once again written a terrific story that will be a great addition to the military fiction/contemporary romance genres.

The Military Wife by Laura Trentham will be available February 5, 2019 from St. Martin's Griffin, an imprint of St. Martin's Press. An egalley of this book was made available from the publisher in exchange for a honest review.

I’m not sure how to assess this. The first half I would give four stars to. I read the first 50 percent in a weekend. I couldn’t put it down. It was told in alternating chapters, some set in “present day” and some in the past. I was quite interested in the characters and the story. I felt like the writing was a bit clunky at times, but I could forgive that for the story.
And then the second half just fell apart a bit. It moved from feeling like chick-lit to romance. The ‘past” chapters became infrequent, and when they repeated information that we had already been told. They also were not in order, so the past jumped around from more recent past to older past. The big secret felt like an anti-climax. The character development was patchy – there are marked inconsistencies in the story we are told about the characters, that a good editing would have sorted out. One small example – Bennet, a navy seal is complaining because he is in a nasty place in the desert and the book says “not what he had in mind when he joined up to see the world”, which is in no way consistent with the reasons given earlier than he joined up. And the ending was very neat. I don’t want to give more examples, because I’m wary of spoilers. I would love it if Laura Trentham wrote more books like the first half of this. I do think that romance lovers might still enjoy the whole book.

I will be posting to Goodreads and my blog on the 9th of January.

The Military Wife is a sweet and sentimental story about love, honor, and learning to live (and love!) again after unspeakable loss. There's nothing unexpected about the plot-the pleasant surprise is how Laura Trentham takes a story that's been told hundreds of times yet makes it feel fresh and new. The Military Wife is standard "boy meets girl" but with a heartbreaking twist. Harper's Navy SEAL husband died in combat while Harper was pregnant with their son Ben. Five years later Harper is living a quiet life with her son and mother in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. But one question still keeps her up at night-exactly how Noah died and what his last moments were like. All Harper gets from the ultra private SEAL's is Noah died a hero in service to his country. So Harper decides to track down the one person who may know what really happened-Noah's best friend in the SEAL's- Bennett Caldwell. Noah and Bennett had become so close during their training and in active duty Noah decided to name his child after him. Harper and Bennett are bound in their shared grief over Noah's death, but Bennett also carries a heavy burden over the memories he refuses to share. The Military Wife is flirty and suggestive, but there's no graphic sexuality. It's a charming story that proves love has no bounds and second chances can come in the most unexpected ways.

This was my first book by this author and I will be going back for more!

The characters felt real and you laughed and cried along with them. This was definitely a multiple tissue book, but worth it. The book touches on important military topics and relationships and how you can't go at it alone. Would highly recommend this book!

<i>ARC received from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review </i>

Full confession: when I read the blurb and saw that Laura Trentham was moving away from purely contemporary romance into "women's fiction" like two of my other favourite romance writers before her (Jill Shalvis and Sarah Morgan), I am not going to lie: I was disappointed. I wanted more full blown small-town Southern romance preferably in Cottonbloom or a place very much like it!

Well, I am still unsure about what is causing this genre movement but I tried not to judge a book by its <s>cover</s> genre and went into <i>The Military Wife</i> with an open mind and I was soon loving it!

I loved Harper and of course her growing relationship with Bennett. Obviously I was most invested in that plot arc but I felt Allison's pain and everything she was going through too. Harper's Mum was a fun secondary character and was the source of many a lighthearted moment. The only plot strand that I felt I could have done with more resolution on was how Ben felt about his mother being away such a lot and the changes with a new house / Dad / sibling.

I have to give props to Laura Trentham. The Military Wife is not only a celebration of the human spirit, it's also a hat's off salute to girl power. Life is a lesson in heartache, but also helps us find the strength to fight our way through. Harper, Allison and their friends are a force to be reckoned with. Despite heartbreaking loss, traumatic life changes and fear of the unknown, they never stop believing that better days are on the horizon. Through them, Trentham reminds us how to be fearless warriors in life and in love. They say it takes a village, but these military wives teach us all the true meaning of love.

This is my first book by Laura Trentham, I am always a little worried when I start a book from an author I haven’t read before but I was pleasantly pleased at how good The Military Wife was. Now little disclaimer…have a box of tissues (or two…)ready, this book will defiantly tug on your heart.
I really enjoyed The Military Wife and look forward to reading more from Laura Trentham!

This is my first book by Laura Trentham. It's written from two points of view, the present and the past. It started out a little slow, but once it went back and forth between the present and the past, it really caught my attention. I enjoyed the characters, the story line was intriguing and it moved along at a pretty decent pace. Her writing style took a little bit to get used to, but I enjoyed this book.