This book stole my heart. A beautiful story of loss, grief, growing and immense love. There were a few times I found myself tears in my eyes both happy and sad. I loved the feeling of realness the story had with wives how they feel after their families have gone threw so. much and feeling of need something of their own, like the coffee shop.

Thank you to Netgalley, The Author, and Publisher for the copying exchange for an honest review.

I have not previously read any books by Laura Trentham so I am unable to compare to her previous work, but I found a depth to this book that makes it far more than a romance. It also won't be the last book I read by Laura Trentham!

The book focuses on Harper Lee Wilcox, whose husband Noah, a Navy SEAL, was killed in action five years earlier, shortly before the birth of their son Ben. As time moves on following Noah's death, Harper increasingly feels that she has put her life on hold. She goes to visit another military wife, Allison, whose husband Darren is battling PTSD which is putting a huge pressure on them and their three young children.

Together Harper and Allison decide to use money that Harper was given after the death of Noah, and set up a business to provide work for military wives who find it difficult to find work or an identity beyond that of a military wife. This brings Harper into contact with her late husband's best friend and team mate, Bennett Caldwell, an ex-SEAL and now owner of a survival training business.

Harper and Bennett feel an instant attraction to one another that instantly raises feelings of guilt because of their mutual love for Noah.

The book very cleverly moves between the past and the present, allowing the reader to fully understand the connection that both Harper and Bennett had with Noah, and allowing a better understanding of Noah who is no longer a part of their lives.

In addition to the complex feelings and developing romance between Harper and Bennett, the book also looks at the friendships made between military wives, but also between the men who risk their lives to fight for their country. In addition it looks at the physical and mental scars the men return home with, and the impact that has on their families. The depth of emotion in this book makes it a very compelling story.

I was given a copy of this book to read via Netgalley and St Martin's Press in exchange for an honest review.

I have previously read a couple romance books by Laura Trentham. This is a different genre in my opinion. This book was more "Women's Fiction" to me. The story did have a romance in it, but that was not the main focus of the plot.

The plot focused on SEAL personnel. One character is still in the Navy (Darren), one has returned to civilian life (Bennett) and one was killed in action (Noah).

Harper Lee (named with meaning by her librarian mother) , was married to Noah for a short time and was pregnant when he died. She struggled to come back to the living, but knew she had to, for her son.

Harper is very close friends with Darren's wife, Allison, who helped Harper deal with Noah's death. Darren is home but not dealing with the memories of his last mission very well. While Harper is still trying to make peace with Noah's death and contacts Bennett for answers, she sets in motion a path to healing for her, Bennett and Darren. She also has a plan for military wives to use their skills to help each other and keep busy while their partners are on duty.

The romance part of the book was very touching. Noah and Bennett were great friends in training and in action as SEAL members Bennett was drawn to Harper through Noah reading her letters to him. When Harper went to Bennett for answers, all the feelings were brought to the surface. Reading about their romance was an emotional journey.

While the book has many plots going on, they are all interconnected and it flows smoothly. The story is revealed in "past" and "present" chapters and that always puts me on edge a little bit. I feel as the characters do, in not knowing the complete past, as they do not.

I want to thank Netgalley.com and the publisher St. Martin’s Griffin for giving me the pleasure of reading the ARC. I am giving my honest opinion, in hopes other readers will pick up this book and enjoy it also.

her husband is in the military while he is deployed he is killed in action and its so sad. She is head strong. and she wants to help.
She meets this man who is awesome and he wants to be with her and its a great read

**I received a copy of The Military Wife from St. Martin's Press and Net Galley in exchange for a voluntary and honest review**

The Military Wife by Laura Trentham is the start of her A Heart of a Hero series. Ms. Trentham is a new author for me and this book is well worth reading. The story does go back to when Noah Wilcox and Bennett Caldwell start Navy SEAL BUD/s plus when Noah and Harper Lee first meet in Kitty Hawk, NC. Half of the story is Harper Lee, her young son Ben and her mother affectionately known at Yaya and finding love again with Bennett Caldwell when Noah dies leaving too many questions that no one will give answers and Allison and her husband Darren's battle with PTSD and guilt from the op that took Noah's life.

Harper Lee is just trying to finish up the summer working at a ice cream shop when she meets Noah Wilcox. He's very persistent that she's going to be his wife but first he has to complete BUD/s. She's due to leave for University of North Carolina so they write letters frequently which Noah reads to Bennett. When Noah is killed on a SEAL Team mission Harper Lee is pregnant and due to have their fist child she searches for way to carry on without Noah. When she decides to invest the money from Bennett into a business that will give some of the military wives a job that will give them a job to take to each new home she meets Bennett again. They will soon find out that the survival school that he runs can also be a outlet for the veterans to be around others who are trying to cope with PTSD. Their burgeoning love will be very slow and sweet.

Bennett Caldwell grew up as a foster kid moving around frequently until he finally finds a home with Sarge his case workers uncle. Sarge gives him a home and when he's old enough he joins to Navy BUD/s. But when his buddy Noah starts sharing his letters from Harper Lee he yearns for a life like Noah and Harper Lee. When Noah makes him promise to watch over his family if he doesn't come home it's a promise that will become love five years later when she comes to him for how Noah dies.

The Military Wife is a sweet love story between Noah and Harper Lee, Adele (Yaya) and Ben, Allison and Darren who fight to understand the toll of PTSD on their lives plus the new life for Harper, Ben and Bennett.

"The Military Wife"
By Laura Trentham
Macmillan

Family Life -- Release Date: February 5, 2019

ReaderToReader.com review for NetGalley download

Five years after losing her military husband, Harper Wilcox is still grieving. After Noah's untimely death overseas, Harper moved back to her hometown in Kitty Hawk, NC with her son, Ben. Now, her somewhat eccentric, yet loving mom insists she should get on with her life. But can she?

Harper wants to know how Noah died—did he suffer? Did he die quickly? What actually happened? The only person who can answer that and offer closure is Noah's best buddy, Navy SEAL, Bennett Caldwell.

Harper decides to visit Allison with whom she bonded when their husbands were deployed. Allison's upsetting emails have Harper needing to find out what is happening. She arrives at Ft. Bragg, realizing Allison's husband has PTSD, and Allison is anxious about what she can do to overcome the stress she and her children are suffering.

When Allison mentions how difficult the other wives are having finding jobs, they implement a plan to start a coffee shop which will help suppress the loneliness and give them a sense of purpose.

Harper tells Allison of her qualms about Noah, and how she received a hefty check as an honor award, delivered by Bennett. When Allison states there's no such thing, Harper wonders . . . why did Bennett do this? Is he hiding something?

A trip to Bennett's survival camp brings her face to face with the last person to see Noah alive, but Bennett is adamant, refusing to talk to her. Harper does not give up and she pursues Bennett hoping for answers, but they both find more than expected.

A sweet tale of love and heartache, with the inevitability of war, proves there can be a second chance for happiness.

What a lovely story. This one deals with a military wife, Harper who loses her husband. She has been living with her mother and has a young son.
She has a friend who is a military wife whose husband comes back with PTSD. She goes to help. This book shows a clear and accurate picture of what our military faces today.
Harper is there for her friends. She decides to start her own business. She runs across Bennet who was her husband Noah's seal team brother.
The story is about PTSD, being a military wife and starting over. The writing is very good, and the story is worth a read This is the second book by Laura Trentham and it will not be my last. Thank you so much for giving me a copy to review. I really enjoyed it.

Sounds like you had a fun day, Ben!

I'd be worried about her if she didn't get hot and bothered on a Navy base.

At least Darren can still laugh.

No TV? Good for her mom.

I never thought about military life being nomadic.

Is ignorance bliss in this case?

Yep, never could have made it in the military.

He chose rightly. If he hadn't helped his friend, it would have weighed on him.

Noah knew how to make an entrance!

Her worst nightmare came true.

Those kids were future serial killers, I'd bet.

That is the funniest euphemism I have ever heard.

The scenes in the past are kind of jarring.

That was nice of him, letting his therapy dog stay with Ben.

Poor Sophie. But she forgot about the delivery.

I'm glad she got the help she needed, and that it worked.

Thank goodness they got to Darren in time. But shouldn't Alex have been called weeks ago?

Haha! Bad Mongo!

Holy survivor's guilt.

Yeesh. Not a good time to be working in a coffeehouse all day. But, yay!

Most babies have blue eyes when they are born.

Aww.

I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Amazing book. Loved it from beginning to end.
Well written which kept me captivated throughout.
I will definitely be reading other books by this author

Drew me right in to this emotional heartbreaking story of a brave military wife.Trying to rebuild her life after the unimaginable happens.Dealing with many aspects of the military the effects on the family left to survive cope with life,#netgalley #st.Martinspres.

Bravo! While I read this book, I thought it was written by a military spouse. I am a military spouse of 23 years and found the characters and storylines to be extremely believable and spot on with the issues. I was surprised to find out the information that went into the background was gathered by research and knowledge of people in the community. While the story was a bit predictable, I enjoyed it and would recommend it to any and all readers. Very realistic portrayal of what military family life is like. Bravo.

For nearly five years Harper Wilcox has been living half a life, when she lost her husband it not only crippled her, but it left her a shell of the carefree and happy woman she used to be. Each day is a struggle, she puts on a brave face, goes off to work a job she doesn't really enjoy, all to provide some semblance of normalcy for her young son. And while she feels like she is finding her way back, her mother has kindly pointed out on numerous occasions that she still isn't living her best life, she is stuck in limbo. She's afraid to fully move on for fear of forgetting the man who gave her so much, but she knows the only way she can truly be happy again is to let the past go and to create a new life.

Little does she know the kindness of one man is about to change everything, his one small gesture is about to give her all that she has been longing for... the second chance she so desperately needs.

The Military Wife is poignant tale that follows a young widow through her struggle to regain happiness in her life after facing the darkest day of it, the day her husband died overseas. With alternating past and present chapters you get glimpses into their lives before his death, and then a present day view, which gives you a vivid look at life after a devastating loss. These alternating chapters allow you to meet Noah, watch them fall in love, and develop an appreciation for all they endured with his deployments, much like I imagine many families face in reality everyday. You also meet fellow teammates of Noah's, learn how they too are struggling with his death, and also gain a haunting view of how facing combat has effected them and their families.

This beautifully crafted story doesn't shy away from the ugliness of war, or the devastation it brings into soldiers lives, it paints a honest picture, one that will be felt long after you close the book. There were many moments on this literary journey that had my heart in my throat, and tears welling, but there were also happier moments that brought smiles and joy too, it's one heck of a roller coaster ride... a ride I think every reader should take. I am no stranger to Ms. Trenthams' work, I have read many of her titles and adored them, so my interest in this new venture of hers was very high, and I must say it did not disappoint. As a matter of fact I think it is her best work yet, her absorbing words seeped deep into my heart and left it forever changed! If there is one book you pick up this year, please make it this one, it holds a touching story of the most unforgettable characters you'll ever meet!

I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.

I felt all the feels with this book. A sweet story that has you crying tears of happiness and sadness. I couldn't put down!

**Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for giving me the ARC in exchange for an honest review**TheMilitaryWife #NetGalley

4.5 stars! First time for me reading a book of Laura Trentham and I really enjoyed this story !!
Actually this was a great book about military life, from the pov of soldiers and pov from military wives!! It's s book that struggles with very emotional and important matters such as PSTD, suicide, death, loneliness!! For me it was emotional, beautiful, heartwarming and about moving on and find a second chance love!! The storyline was perfectly written!! It was a great read!!!

I hate to give a book a bad review, but I just couldn't get into this book. It just wasn't for me. But don't let my opinion stop you from giving it a try. Thank you St. Martins Press via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book. This is my honest opinion.

This is the first time I’ve read one of Trenthams books, and I was not disappointed. Harper Lee Wilcox lives with her Mom after losing her husband Noah in action. Her son Ben is what keeps her going and a reminder of Noah.

Upon learning that there is no bravery award, Harper questions the money she was given by Bennett, her husbands close friend with who he served. Harper tracks Bennett down refusing to take his money, has questions about her husbands death and won’t stop until she gets the answers. However, Bennett isn’t one to just open up to anyone but through time Harper learns the truth.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC.

The Military Wife has entered the small domain of my To Be Reread Many Times books. It is a small list of books that have touched me down deep and that call to me to read them. There is so much to love about The Military Wife: characters that resonate emotions and deep seated fears, a plot that is real and relatable (regardless of the military aspect), struggles that anyone can either relate to or empathize with, and excellent writing that draws the reader in completely and holds them throughout the entire book.
To summarize, Harper Lee Wilcox was left widowed and pregnant when her SEAL husband was killed on deployment. She has managed to raise a wonderful five year old boy, maintain a lackluster job and come out of her grief. She does not recognize that her life is lacking until she connects with her military wife friend, Allison, and they hatch a plan to help other military wives. A chance mention by Allison, moves Harper to contact Bennett Caldwell, the SEAL teammate that was with Harper’s husband when he died. They begin to develop feelings for each other but the shadowy presence of her husband flits back and forth between them.
Reading about the determination of both Harper and Bennett and their respective hesitations is stirring and unforgettable.

Harper Wilcox is a young woman who ignored her own career to follow her new husband, Noah, a Navy SEAL, to a military base. She finds herself missing not only her husband when he is away but also something to keep her occupied.

When she discovers she is pregnant both Harper and Noah are thrilled. Unfortunately, before she has the baby she finds herself a widow.

Five years later we find Harper and her son, Ben, living near the base with her mother. She is afraid of moving too far away for fear of leaving the memory of her husband behind.

When Harper realizes that her best friend, Allison, is struggling with problems she returns to the base to see if she can help. Allison's husband, a former SEAL who served with Noah is struggling with PTSD, which of course is affecting the whole family.

As Harper strives to help Allison, she has an idea that might also help other military wives: opening a coffee house. After all, she was awarded quite a bit of money when Noah died and this might be exactly what she needs as well as some of the other wives. A deeper purpose in life.

But when she discovers that the money given to her was not from an award but really from a Navy Seal who served with Noah, she's determined to give it back. In the process, she wants to also find out more information about Noah's death.

The book alternates between past and present, but it doesn't disrupt the story or distract in any way.

My Thoughts

What Concerned Me: Nothing

What I Liked Most: This is far more than a romance with no depth. It is a well-written book that deals with concerns that military wives can have, the camaraderie of those serving as well as their wives, the aftermath of war, and much more. The characters are developed and very believable.

As I began reading this book, the story caught my interest almost immediately. To me, that's an important sign of a good book. (I'm not one to keep reading if nothing is causing me to want to turn pages.)

My first book by this author, but not the last. I highly recommend it!

Harper’s late husband, Noah,, was a Navy Seal who died in the line of duty while she was pregnant with their son. Five years later, she gets to know his best friend from his Seal team, Bennett. They are instantly attracted to one another, but face a number of roadblocks. Noah was the only man ever in Harper’s life, and Noah has a number of issues going back to his childhood. There is also a secondary story that includes struggles faced by The family of Harper’s best friend and her husband who was Noah and Bennett’s former team mate. The issues, including PTSD, are dealt with honestly and sensitively. This book was thoughtful, well-written, and very enjoyable to read.

The Military Wife is a layered story within a story. It goes into the grief of a young, pregnant widow trying to go on without her mate, the best friend suffering from survivors guilt & ptsd, the military wives needing support & purpose & the families behind them all. The intensely emotional topics were treated with dignity but yet with such a light touch that the reader doesn’t forget that the story is, at heart, a romance. Darren, Alison & the kids story showed the nearly forgotten casualties of war - the effects on the children. The romance that snuck up on Harper & Bennett was wonderful to watch develop & flashbacks showed the relationship between Noah & each of them. It gave us an insight into Noah’s character & the joy we know he would have felt at the end. Great story & I can’t recommend it enough!