An Everyday Hero by Laura Trentham is the 2nd book in her Heart of a Hero series. We meet our heroine, Greer Hadley at the start, when she returns home to Madison, Tennessee with her dreams of having a successful music career (she writes her own songs, sings and plays the guitar)now in shambles. Greer is now 30 years old back to living with her parents, and despondent. One evening at the bar, in her drunken state she makes a mess and is given community service at a nonprofit music organization that helps children and veterans. Greer is not thrilled about this, and at first, she acts somewhat snarky. She meets Ally, an unhappy young girl who no one can handle, and in a short time, Greer will slowly begin to see changes in Ally, as well as her own life helping others.

Emmett Lawson, our hero, is a disabled veteran, who lost his leg and continues to have nightmares about some of the soldiers who died; Emmett is very embittered and refuses to see anyone. He has signs “do not disturb’ and when Greer is sent to visit him, she is threatened by him to get off his property. Greer was warned that Emmett never lets anyone in, but she remembers him back in high school, when he was a popular golden boy. Greer will push her way to Emmett’s house, and despite his anger and attitude, she gives back with her own sarcasm. The following day when she begins to see a little improvement with Ally, Greer will push herself to go back to Emmett and try to bring him out of his shell.

What follows is a wonderful heartwarming story focusing around three people who have gone through hard times. Greer will work with Ally to show that she has talents in song writing, and teach her how to use a guitar. Music will be the key to change both of their lives. It was so great to see the changes in both Greer and Ally. Greer also slowly brings down Emmett’s wall, and in a short time he begins to have feelings again, especially for the woman who has ignited a fire in him. The romance between Greer and Emmett was a slow burn at first, then their chemistry sizzled. I loved them together, especially when Emmett began to live his life again with his parents, friends, and Greer. It was so wonderful to see him despite his disability to help Greer, Ally and his own family again.

Another nice part of the story is when we learn that Ally’s father who was killed in action (causing much of her issues), was under Emmett’s command when an explosion killed her father and injured Emmett. I also adored Emmett’s new kitten, Bonnie. An Everyday Hero was a wonderful emotional story about healing and finding their way home. Very well written by Laura Trentham.

I really loved this story. All of the characters were so well developed that I felt like they were people I knew. I also enjoyed the setting being Madison, TN, because it's an area I was in a lot growing up because my friends lived there. Greer was a fascinating character, spunky & sassy with a lot of sweetness. She was a musician trying to make it in Nashville but didn't quite get there, so she moves back home at 30 with no idea what to do. She does get drunk in a bar & make bad decisions that leads to community service with an organization that uses music to help veterans & their families cope with life & loss. Through this she meets Ally, a 15 year old that lost her father a few months ago & is having a hard time adjusting without him & in a new city. She also gets reconnected with Emmett, who she went to high school with & had always admired from afar. He has come home with a missing leg & hopelessness. I highly recommend reading this story to see what happens between Greer & Emmett & how Ally comes to terms with her situation, including a mom that isn't coping well either.

I was given an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Three wounded souls who come together and help each other to heal - a young girl who has lost her father, an injured vet and a woman who has failed to get her music career going. Each character is so credible and interesting, with their vulnerabilities laid bare.
A very emotional read written with great compassion. A book of love and hope.
4 stars

AN EVERYDAY HERO is sentimental, small town romance that is both heartbreaking and heartwarming. This story is about expectations, disappointment and heartache. It is about moving forward when life doesn’t turn out the way you thought it would. This is a moving story with solid characters.

Emmett is a dark hero whose world is shattered when he is injured in the military. At one time, he was the town's golden boy, until everything changed. Emmett and Greer knew each other in high school but were never friends. Emmett was a cool, popular jock and Greer was a music nerd. Now, ten years later, they meet again. They are both at low points in their lives. Neither one of them has achieved what they thought they would and they are trying to recover from life’s disappointments. They both have made mistakes and don’t know how to move forward. They help each other heal their battered hearts.

When Emmett meets Greer again he has no expectations about his future. He is lost in his anger and guilt. Greer’s life is a mess. She has sunk so low, she doesn't know how to pick herself up or what to do next. She is forced, through a court order, to volunteer in a music program with military veterans and their families and it changes her perspective and her life. Greer is forced to stop feeling sorry for herself and start thinking about others. I enjoyed this beautiful story about Emmett and Greer.

An Everyday Hero by Laura Trentham is a contemporary romance. The book deals with current issues around soldiers and their return home. The real focus of the book and characters is on how to start over and figure out what is important. After I finished reading the book, I realized that I had read the second book in a series. I did not feel I had missed anything reading just this book, so it can be read as a stand alone.

Greer Hadley had every intention of taking Nashville by storm with her music, only to come home broke and totally discouraged. Beating up the jukebox with a chair over her cheating boyfriend was the final straw. Her punishment was community service hours at a nonprofit organization having to do with music and soldiers. She didn’t even have her own guitar any more. Now she has two difficult, complicated clients to figure out and she doesn’t even really know herself.

One of Greer’s first clients is Ally Martinez. She is angry and confused. Her father was killed in Afghanistan and her mother has been medicating herself over their situation. Ally is struggling with school and life. Greer is feeling overwhelmed, but understands an angry teen, having been one herself.

Emmett Lawson is Ally’s second client. He is a soldier who came home missing a leg and suffering from PTSD. When Greer first tried to connect with him, he shoots his gun to scare her off. Too bad, that doesn’t work!

I have to admit, I stayed up way too late wanting to finish the book before bed. I enjoyed the characters and liked how Greer’s sass was able to help others and how helping them, helped her. An Everyday Hero by Laura Trentham is a good read.

Everyone always says "Don't judge a book by its cover," but I have to admit, the cover is the first thing that I see and it often determines whether I pick the book up to read the back cover and decide if I am going to give it a try. This book is SO much deeper, and so much better than what the cover might indicate - if you are reading this review, I hope you pick it up and give it a chance; I don't think you will regret it!

Don't get me wrong, I liked the cover - it seems to indicate that the book would be a good, light beachy read, which I am ALL about. When I looked at the synopsis, I was intrigued. Once I started reading, I just could not put it down! I just finished the book and I have gone out and purchased the other book in this series on Audible, to listen to as I am cleaning my house today. Despite never having read a book by this author before, I am hooked!

Greer is an aspiring musician who has given up on her dream of making it in the industry and is assigned court-ordered community service, despite not wanting anything to do with music again. Ally and Emmett are two of the program's participants she is requested to help, though they have no desire to be "helped." All 3 of the main characters are dealing with their lives being changed and having to adjust to their changes in circumstances, and all 3 had me rooting for their success.

I give this book a solid 5 stars, but I would give it more if I could - the characters were likeable, their stories were engaging, and the writing style made for an effortless, enjoyable read. If you are new to the author as I was, give her a shot - I am really looking forward to reading her other books now!

In the small town of Madison, Tennessee, the three main characters are all struggling with life not turning out how they hoped and expected. Greer left home for Nashville but has come back after failing to make it as a musician. She meets Ally and Emmett when she is forced to volunteer for a music nonprofit, and neither of them want her help. As time passes, Greer opens up to both of them and begins to form a bond with each of them.
The story was beautifully written and realistic. The characters are all genuinely likable, even with their flaws. I found myself rooting for all of them to get past their inner demons. There were a lot of sweet moments in the book, and I loved Greer's personality and especially the way she and Emmett communicated with each other.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Every time I read a book by Laura Trentham, I am hooked really quickly and it takes me days to recover from the book hangover once I'm finished. Yes, she writes that well. The characters so real and relatable, the setting feels like a town you could see yourself living in, and the conflict is presented in a way that allows the reader to really learn from it. It's an enjoyable reading experience from start to finish, and even now, a week after finishing the book, I find myself thinking back to the story and wishing I was still there.

Greer Hadley does not want to be back home. She had plans to become a musician and leave the small town life behind. But everything went downhill fast and the music that once filled her soul left. She can't get up on stage again and ends up drowning her sorrows in alcohol and trashing a local bar. As punishment, she must serve time volunteering at a local foundation that is all about making music and healing people. One of those people is Emmett Lawson, a veteran with a Purple Heart, a missing limb, and no hope for his own future. At first it seems like the two are never going to see eye to eye, but as Greer tries again and again to get through to him, they become closer. Soon the healing isn't just one-sided, but it may be too late to bring such wounded hearts together.

Greer and Emmett were a really great match in this story! Greer had nothing to lose and everything to gain, since she had hit rock bottom. Knowing Emmett as a kid and idolizing him, she wanted to help, but he just didn't want to hear it. Persistent and determined to get through to him, Greer continued to reach out, and it was a beautiful thing. Each encounter the reader could see them grow closer, the ice surrounding Emmett's heart thawing, and the hidden wounds healing little by little. Both of them had felt so much hurt, both physical and emotional, and they didn't feel like they needed anyone. But they found that what they needed most was each other. Strength isn't always standing alone but finding that one person who can stand beside you and be your rock. They were each other's rock.

Highly recommend any book by this author! She continues to tug on my heart each time she writes, and I really look forward to what comes next in this series.

An Everyday Hero by Laura Trentham shows readers what an ordinary person who thinks they lost everything can do for others. The impact people have on each other is big. I got to explore that in this read. It was both sad and heartwarming. I enjoyed following each character as they grew into the roles they needed to take on whether or not they were willing at first. Those that needed saving also saved the ones who weren't looking to be saved at all. Healing comes in many varieties. In this book, a woman whose life seems at the end, is just beginning. Her life becomes more full and meaningful as she learns to adapt to her new role. She helps people. They in return end up helping her heal too. Overall, this book was supercharged with emotions. The cast of characters made it believable. I fell in love from the beginning with this story.

I thoroughly enjoyed this warm-hearted story. It was incredibly moving, dealing with serious issues, but told with humor and love. Greer, Emmett and Ally are each dealing with loss and uncertainty, and when their paths cross they are reluctant to get close to anyone; three outcasts shielding their hearts. I fell in love with them all—Greer with her biting sarcasm, wit, and determination; Emmett who lashed out in pain, anger, and guilt; and Ally, a teenager dealing with grief and loss. I love a story that makes my heart flutter!

What I loved most about this book is that so many people will be able to relate to it! Even though I couldn't relate personally, I know people that will. When an author can weave a relatable story, they deserve all the stars. While it's a love story, there are so many emotions and feelings on a deeper level.

I received an advance copy. All thoughts are my own.

Everyone in this story has something to overcome or deal with – and the romance, while there, is background in a ‘coupled up’ sense, to allow the characters to find their own joys again, rebuild confidence and improve their relationships. Greer lost everything she thought she had, and after one bad decision after the next finds herself back with her parents and assigned to volunteer with a group that serves the military and their families – through a court decision. She’s totally at a loose end when thinking of this – because she feels her music failed her, and there is nothing she has to offer. Particularly not to a fifteen year old girl who lost her father in Afghanistan, and is acting out in her grief. Greer is thinking she’ll put in the hours and do the ‘work’ while she plans something different and perhaps a new career.

Seeing much of herself in Ally (the teen), and finding a talent there: Greer decides that she can help Ally and nurture her talent while steering the young girl away from the pitfalls that she danced through without thinking. When she sees that she’d managed to get through to Ally – and their relationship is improving as Ally learns to deal with her anger and grief over her father’s death, she’s given the task of approaching an old school mate, recently returned from war. Emmett was the golden boy in town, and Greer finds that he’s not only unwilling to engage – but doesn’t believe that he’s worth anyone taking time to help him. He’s angry, frustrated and scared, and while he knows Greer from school and the town, he doesn’t expect her stubborn refusal to ‘go away’ and forget about him. She’s feeling more confident with the success she’s had with Ally, and she’s determined that Emmett has more to share.

Everyone here has some steps to take in their own journey of self-discovery, and no one is more surprised than Greer to find that everything she thought was lost, and could never be found were returning – slowly but surely. And there’s even a delicate dance with Emmett – one that both are not entirely sure they are ready for, but want to take that chance anyway. As previously stated, the romance here is really one of “friends” and “self” as everyone finds a better way to move forward and acknowledge their own issues, work on them, and learn to rely on other people to listen, understand, accept and support.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Review first appeared at <a href=” https://wp.me/p3OmRo-aBC/”> <a> I am, Indeed </a>

I absolutely adored this story. Greer and Emmett were so relatable and I loved their chemistry. The slow burn of their relationship with perfection. And then Greer working with Ally added another amazing element to this beautiful story. It’s filled with so many layers that I thoroughly enjoyed reading through. This is the kind of story that will warm your heart and fill you with hope.

When down on her luck Greer comes home after a disastrous on-stage performance, her luck continues to decline. After finding her boyfriend with another girl, Greer makes another decision that ends her up in the drink. When before the judge, he makes Greer volunteer with a music program instead of the road clean-up Greer wanted. Greer wanted nothing more to do with music. Ally is a girl who lost her father due to the war. She is angry and rebelling which got her in trouble. What happens when you have two people that love music but enough sass to repel each other in the beginning. The director of the volunteer program adds another person to Greer's case load. A disabled, grumpier than though, veteran who literally takes a shot at Greer the first time she goes to her house. Greer's quick tongue and spunk gets both Ally and Emmett to rethink their possibilities and decisions in life. A great read that has so much feeling and emotion in them. The quick wit of the characters have you laughing at times, emotional at times when their true feelings come out, and cheering for them as they travel the road to healing. This is the second book the in the Heart of a Hero series but can be read as a stand-alone. Thank you to Ms. Trentham, St. Martin's Griffin, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this awesome book!

I really like Laura Trentham's writing and this series is very enjoyable. The author crafts characters I can relate to and creates an intriguing story world, which pulls me right in. I also love that she features a flawed and wounded veteran as a hero, as well as a family and community impacted by the loss of veterans who didn't make it home. The nod to songwriting was a fun subplot and I couldn't get enough of Greer and Emmett. Romance fans, you'll love this one!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the complimentary ARC. All opinions shared here are my own.

This is a touching book that focuses on healing. The two main characters are both suffering from different life tragedies and they are forced together because of those hurts. Their sheer stubborn wills allow them to get past the pain and move forward in their lives and start to heal and thrive.

Greer is back in her hometown and dragging her pride with her. She went to Nashville to become a singer/songwriter but her dream didn't come true. To add insult to injury of her pride, she caught her boyfriend with another woman. She is broken and had moved home to her parents house and is not only homeless but jobless. She is at her end and when an incident happens in the local bar she is forced to do public service hours to work it off. Little did she know that by helping others it would help heal her wounds as well.

Emmett is home from the service and missing a leg. He was injured not only physically but emotionally as well when he had to watch his men die from the same explosion that cost him his leg. He blames himself and has locked himself away from the world. His parents have tried and even got him some help from a local group but Emmett is determined to wallow in his own misery. That is until he meets Greer again. They knew each other in highschool but that was a life time ago but she is different from everyone else and with her help he starts to live again.

This book touched my heart in so many ways. It has a great storyline and is well written. I received an early copy from Netgalley to read and review and give my honest opinion. I enjoyed it from beginning to end and highly recommend it.

I love author Laura Trentham’s books, they grab you by the heart & don’t let go until the end. Loved this book, it was sad, funny, sweet & sexy. A military career over, a music career that never took off & the heartbreak of loss for a young girl is what we are dealt in this book. The humour is a great help to this sad tale, the banter between Emmett & Greer as well as Ally & Greer keeps you smiling through the heartbreak that has fallen on these 3 wonderful characters. The end of a dream & a cheating boyfriend are what has Greer in front of a judge earning her community service at a music foundation that brings her in contact with both Emmett & Ally. Emmett, injured in an explosion during a tour of duty in the Army is living like a hermit on his family’s farm. Greer shows up one day & throws him for a loop when she doesn’t give up on him. Ally is sent to the music foundation to get her back on track after getting caught for shoplifting after the death of her military father. Ally & Greer are paired up & a friendship starts that will change all 3 of them. This story was beautifully written & had your heart breaking for all of them. I enjoyed the chemistry between Emmett & Greer, it was charged but also sweet. Their quick sarcastic wit had the banter continuous & when teenage Ally was brought in it was fun to watch. My heart broke for Ally but she proved to be a very strong character. Definitely recommend to read.

I read the first book in this series, The Military Wife, and assumed it was continuing with the characters from that book. This story is set in a different location and different characters but the issues of being in the military or other life issues are central.

I loved this book from the beginning and there is a perfect mix of sweet, sad, funny, poignant, heartbreak, family and love. Greer has had a difficult decade in trying to make it as a singer/songwriter in Nashville and has finally given up and gone home to her parents. She doesn’t have a clue what should come next and due to an incident, she’s given community service at a facility that uses music to help veterans and others.

She meets Ally and while the first few meetings don’t go well with the teenager, Greer just has a way with Ally that surprises both of them. Greer can be funny, sarcastic and self-deprecating which seems to connect with Ally. The moments where Ally has written lyrics is quite moving since she’s lost so much in her young life and Greer finds that in helping Ally, she’s helping herself.

When Greer is sent to see Emmett who she knew in high school as a good-looking football player, who later joined the military after college and was injured, she didn’t know what to expect. I was startled by the ‘welcome’ Emmett gave her and she doesn’t hesitate to say what she thinks. They clash many times as Greer tries to help but still hasn’t worked on her own issues. They are both struggling with their pasts and unsure about their futures, but they were so funny together.

I went from laughing one minute to almost in tears in the next based on the characters and their struggles. At times it seemed like two steps forward and one step back but gradually Greer and Emmett start to make positive steps and I enjoyed as their friendship grew and then more.

Ally, however, is dealing with overwhelming issues and between learning to write songs, play the guitar, struggles with her family issues, again the emotions ran from funny, sweet, sad, and so poignant.

I loved how the various issues were addressed and the story was entertaining from beginning to end. I loved the characters and how the families adapted as Greer matured and found a new way to incorporate music in her life, Emmett found his place in the world, and how happy Ally became. This is a story of second chances and hope.

Ms. Trentham has a talent for writing about the military and the many struggles of active duty, retired, lives lost, and the families involved. I’ve had many family members in the Marines, Air Force, Navy and Army and as a former military spouse, I know of some of the struggles. My son served in the Marines and was deployed to Afghanistan and other areas and as a mother, it was a stressful time worrying. The most recent addition to the military is my granddaughter, who is currently completing basic training in the Air Force. I can only hope that as she learns new skills and travels to new places, that she stays as safe as we wish all our military could be.

Thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this wonderful new work.

The second in Laura Trentham's military series, An Everyday Hero tells the story of how three people who were at such low places in their lives came together to change their downward spirals. Greer came back to Madison Tennessee after years of trying to make it in Nashville as a singer songwriter. Ally is a troubled teenager who lost her Dad to the war, while her Mom deals with the situation by turning to drugs. Emmett comes back from Afghanistan missing a leg, and filled with survivor's guilt. Ms. Trentham brings these three characters together through Ally's work as a music therapist. The friendships, though very sketchy at first, help all three overcome their demons. This was a very heartwarming and gritty story. I'm becoming a fan of Laura Trentham's writing with each book of her's that I read. I recommend this to all who like women's contemporary fiction.
Thanks to St. Martin's Press for providing a copy via Netgalley .

This was a great book. Greer had left town to become a song writer, but had returned home when things didn't work out. After some questionable decisions she is assigned community service at a nonprofit organization that aids veterans and their families. She meets 15 year old Ally, and bit by bit they start to connect. Then she's assigned to former town hero, Emmett who doesn't think he deserves any help. This story is so fun, sweet, honest, heartwarming, heartbreaking and emotional. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books by this author.