Let me just put this out there right now, I don’t read a lot of military fiction or romances. While I love military history and have family that have served and continue to serve in the military, it’s just not a genre that I ever think about picking up to read. Ever. No real reason why, I just simply don’t think of it.

So why now? Here is the shallow answer—I loved the cover. Sure the cover lured me in, but I have to admit I was intrigued by the summary and I love Southern fiction and thought this one might be a diverting read.

Plus, I love romances what can I say. There is just something so satisfying about a happily ever after that I just can’t say no to! That’s how I came to review this one and I am not at all sorry that I read it!

Summary
At thirty, Greer Hadley never expected to be forced home to Madison, Tennessee with her life and dreams of being a songwriter up in flames. To make matters worse, a series of bad decisions and even crappier luck lands her community service hours at a nonprofit organization that aids veterans and their families. Greer cannot fathom how she’s supposed to use music to help anyone deal with their trauma and loss when the one thing that brought her joy has failed her.

When Greer meets fifteen-year-old Ally Martinez, her plans to stay detached and do as little as possible get thrown away. New to town and dealing with the death of her father in action, she hides her emotions behind a mask of bitterness and sarcasm, but Greer is able to see past it and recognizes pieces of who she once was in Ally. The raw and obvious talent she possesses could take her to the top and Greer vows to make sure life’s negativities don’t derail Ally’s potential.

After Greer is assigned a veteran to help, she’s not surprised Emmett Lawson, the town’s golden boy, followed his family’s legacy. What leaves her shocked is the shell of a man who believes he doesn’t deserve anyone’s help. A breakthrough with Ally reminds Greer that no one is worth giving up on. So she shows up one day with his old guitar, and meets Emmett’s rage head on with her stubbornness. When a situation with Ally becomes dire, the two of them must become a team to save her—and along the way they might just save themselves too. (summary from Goodreads).

Review
This is a new to me author and I was drawn in by the fact that she has won awards for her writing. She must be doing something right—-right? Well the answer is yes—yes she is! This book got me in the feels. It was an emotionally packed novel. There was a lot of things going on here, love, redemption, self discovery—all the things and I had a lot of emotions while reading this one.

All of the characters face very realistic and relevant problems in this book. I loved watching the characters navigate their feelings as well as the issues with the other characters in this book. This author did a fantastic job at showing the strength of each character that was unique to them. As a reader, I felt like I was going through the emotions of each character right along with them and I was entirely hooked on it all.

The setting was also cozy. I don’t live in the South, but I loved reading about the small town life and I really felt like I was right there with the characters. I watched a documentary on the famous Blue Bird Cafe recently and I loved seeing it here in this book in a small way.

This book is full of tragedy but also redemption and I am so here for it. I am glad I decided to take a chance on this one. This was so much more than just another ‘romance’ novel. It has a ton of heart and soul and I think it will appeal to a wide audience. There is a lot to love and if you are looking for an emotional read then give this one a shot! I also have a giveaway for this one going on over on my Instagram page so pop by for a chance to win a copy!

An Everyday Hero by Laura Trentham is the second book in her Heart of a Hero series. Ms. Trentham writes complex, flawed characters with problems they fight hard to solve. Both Greer Hadley and Emmett Lawson have returned home to lick their wounds; Greer from her failure in Nashville to make it big and Emmett from the loss of his leg in an explosion in Afghanistan. The author does an excellent job of matching these two as just right to help each other heal. I really like this author's voice. She takes on tough, emotional subjects and draws the reader in with the reality of the characters' situations. I found myself strongly cheering on Greer and Emmett.

Laura Trentham always writes a good story. An Everyday Hero is a book that deals with disappointment, loss, survivor's guilt and getting back on track.
Greer has failed at launching a successful music career in Nashville and had a relationship end badly. Emmett is a veteran who has returned home without a limb, but with a whole lot of guilt about how things went down. Ally is a teenager who's father died in battle. Greer's court ordered community service with an organization that helps vets and their families through music brings them all together.
Greer is a real hard @ss, which turns out to be just what the other two need. But what if she needs them just as much? A beautiful story. Thank you, Ms. Trentham for not sugar coating what the military does to people.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.

An Everyday Hero by Laura Trentham
Heart of a Hero #2

Eagerly anticipated and well worth waiting for! The second book in this series takes on a new set of characters living in a new town but continues to deal with life issues of military veterans and the people that are in their lives. In some ways it is the story of dreams and goals that were held dear for years and yet something happened in life to derail, detour or destroy the dream from appearing as reality. Greer had dreams of being a hit in the music business, Emmett dreamed of adding to the family military legacy in a big way, Ally and her mother dreamed of a family life with father and husband and yet...those expectations were not to be. And yet...when things don’t go as expected there is always the opportunity to do one of two things...wallow or move on and make the best of it. I really enjoyed this book!

What I liked:
* Greer: banged up and bruised and wallowing a bit she is given a job to do and in doing community service impacts Ally and Emmett in ways that improved her life, too. I liked the way she interacted with Emmett and with Ally...she is a person I wouldn’t mind having as a friend.
* Emett: withdrawn and nursing his wounds he is hermit-ting and wallowing until Greer shows up and begins to draw him out. When he started to emerge I really REALLY began to like him.
* Ally: an old soul that had more on her plate than a fifteen year old should have to deal with. She was tough with a soft center – was rooting for hermit-i
* The parents of Emmett and Greer – they were a soft place to land for their children even though their children might not have always realized it. It did take a bit to warm up to Emmett’s father but all’s well that ends well.
* The military persons from old and current wars that made appearances
* Eddie the horse and Bonnie the cat
* The big reveal...and how it impacted more than one
* Even the sad bits were heartwarming and gave a positive vibe for the future
* The “realness” of the story

What I didn’t like:
* The fact that sometimes people, for whatever reason, opt to escape and in doing so harm not only themselves but others...but...that is life. If those people are lucky they will have people come into their lives that can help them do a U-Turn.

I can’t wait for book three…

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press – Griffin for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

Greer and Emmett are lost souls, needing help to save themselves in An Everyday Hero by Laura Trentham, book 2 in her Heart of a Hero series. This was a wonderful and emotional story rich in family, relationships, heartbreak, second chances at living and taking risks. Messing up her life and dreams as a songwriter in Nashville, Greer Hadley finds herself back home. Making a series of bad decisions only makes things worse and lands Greer having to do community service at a nonprofit organization that helps veterans and their families. Greer is lost as to how she’s supposed to use music to help others deal with their trauma and loss when it failed her.

Greer firsts meets Ally Martinez, a fifteen-year-old who recently lost her dad while he was deployed. She is new to town and hides behinds a mask of bitterness and sarcasm. Greer sees past her attitude, recognizing parts of herself in Ally. Next, Greer is assigned to help a veteran, Emmett Lawson, the town’s golden boy, who followed in his father’s and grandfather’s footsteps. Greer is shocked when she meets up with Emmett; as he believes he doesn’t deserve anyone’s help. Achieving a breakthrough with Ally reminds Greer that no one is worth giving up on. Showing up with his old guitar, Emmett loses it, showing Greer his anger and stubbornness. Yet Greer is persistent, not giving up on Emmett, forcing him to move outside his comfort zone. When Ally ends up in an awful situation, Greer needs Emmett’s help in order to save her. Somehow, along the way, Greer and Emmett find ways to also save themselves.

Ms. Trentham wrote an amazing and emotional story that is definitely not to be missed. She provided a tale rich with sexual chemistry, amusing banter, and endearing characters who grow throughout this story, saving Greer and Emmett as they find themselves, as well as happiness, love and a future together. I highly recommend An Everyday Hero to other readers.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

Do you need a heartwarming read? How about a reminder about how good life really is? Or a reminder about just how much the men and women of our military (and their families) sacrifice for us everyday?



If you said yes to any of those, then you need to read An Everyday Hero. In this brand new community, Ms Trentham introduces us to Greer (singer/songwriter at a cross roads), Emmett (a medically discharged Army veteran), and Ally a teen struggling in the aftermath of her father’s death in combat.



Greer is the centerpiece of story, but she gets as much from Emmett and Ally as she gives. These three characters and their evolving relationships (both with each other and externally) are heart warming and I didn’t want to leave them.



Ms Trentham treats the struggles all three characters face with grace and makes them relatable to everyone. Well written (as expected) An Everyday Hero is a book I was sad to see end.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an ARC of this 4⭐️ read now available. Finished this in practically one sitting (airplane) and very much enjoyed it. I went into it expecting a light pallet cleanser (needed between heavier reads) but got so much more. A wonderful story about two adults and a teenager finding their way after life changing circumstances including war time life loss and a war time serious injury. All three characters were well done and their wit and chemistry kept the story from being too maudlin. The romance featured realistic challenges rather than rom-com manufactured misunderstandings. Music lovers will enjoy this read especially.

I did not expect to love this book so much but I did. It dealt with many issues--loss, grief, PTSD, foregiveness, love--and was told in such a lovely and heartwarming way. The characters were complex but wonderful and likable. I loved the way they were all brought together in the story. Greer Hadley was my favorite character. She had spunk, was witty, and would not take crap from anyone, especially those she was trying to help. This book was filled with so much emotion. I just couldn't get enough of it and found myself not wanting to stop reading. I actually went out to lunch alone and then hung out at a bookstore so that I could read without interruptions. This was the first book by Laura Trentham I've read. She has an tremendous gift for writing, and I'm definitely going to be reading her other books. Thoroughly enjoyed An Everyday Hero and highly recommend it.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for the ARC egalley. I also won a paperback ARC in a Goodreads giveaway.

Linda's Book Obsession Reviews "An Everyday Hero" by Laura Trentham, St. Martins Griffin, February 4, 2020

Laura Trentham, Author of "An Everyday Hero" has written an emotional, thought-provoking and entertaining novel.  The Genres for this story are Fiction and Romance. The timeline for this story is set in the present and goes to the past when it pertains to the characters or events.  The author describes her characters as complicated and complex.  The themes that are in this story are second chances, searching for self-worth and forgiving oneself and others.

Greer Hadley, who is 30 finds herself back home in Madison, Tennessee. Greer has lost confidence in her ability to write songs, and play the guitar. After a destructive and drunken night, Greer is sentenced to hours of community service that helps veterans and their families. She is supposed to be using her musical skills to get the participants of the program to open up, talk and feel better about themselves. 

The people that are assigned to Greer are very difficult and uncooperative. Greer does have a certain wit and toughness when she encounters unusual situations. Ally is a 15-year-old who has lost her father and is hiding secrets.  Emmett Lawson has quite the attitude since he has come home after he was injured.  He has No Trespassing Signs, and he doesn't believe in himself.

I love that the author brings animals into the story, and some of the scenes are so beautifully written. Animals always add a positive dimension to the story. 

I appreciate that the author describes the difficulty for the men and women that serve our country, and how it affects their families and outlook on life.  The author also mentions the importance of living and making an effort to do your best. I would highly recommend this thought-provoking novel.

Favorite Quotes:

The impulse to punch Wayne in the face simmered below the surface like a volcano no longer at rest… Dressed in his tan uniform, Wayne adjusted his heavy gun belt so often she imagined he got off every night by rubbing his gun. Giving him a badge had only empowered the part of him desperate for respect and approval. His nickname in high school, “the Weasel,” had been well earned.

Her dream of hearing one of her songs on the radio had died. Not in a blaze of glory but from a slow, torturous starvation of hope.

Look up “busybody” and Justine Danvers’s portrait would be printed in all its glory, toothy grin included at no extra charge. She’d been left a widow by her wealthy husband in her early thirties and had never remarried, but not for a lack of trying.

The first pawnshop he hit was seedy, with no sign or memory of Greer’s guitar. By the third shop, he decided all pawnshops had a melancholy air no matter how bright or clean or welcoming. It emanated from the items for sale. Items parted from their owners because of hard times and necessity.

I was a goner when you informed me in no uncertain terms that I needed better manners and a bath.” “If only I’d known that’s how to attract nice guys, I would have turned to insults years ago.”

My Review:

I fell right into this story on the first few pages and was reluctant to reemerge. I adored these fractured yet big-hearted characters, they were common yet atypical, realistically drawn, peculiarly appealing, decidedly flawed, and oddly irresistible. I was drawn to them and intrigued by their tale. The storylines were original, engaging, and well-crafted. The talented Ms. Trentham’s smooth writing was well-paced, unpredictable, cleverly amusing, and hit all the feels and then some. I can’t wait to see what she does next with this all too relevant and heart-squeezing series.

I read the first book in this series, The Military Wife, and assumed it was continuing with the characters from that book. That is not the case. This story is set in a different location with 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. First, she tries to make it as a singer/songwriter in Nashville, but eventually has to admit defeat and go home to her parents. Then, not knowing what should come next, and due to an incident, she’s given community service at a facility that uses music to help veterans and family members of veterans.

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, and struggle due to her not dealing with her 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 watching their relationship grow.

Ally, however, is dealing with overwhelming issues. Between learning to write songs, playing the guitar, struggles with her family, and other struggles, my emotions were all over the place.

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 highly recommend this book. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest, voluntary review.

An Everyday Hero is quite simply a gift. Ms. Trentham has such an effortless flow of words at her command that you don't realize the story is almost over until you turn the last page. One of the main characters, Greer, has recently moved back home with her parents after she lost her dreams in Nashville and her boyfriend when she found him with another woman. She is serving community service as punishment for the behavior she decided to let rule her at Becky's Bar that night. Over the course of her community service, she meets Ally. A teenager whose father was killed in the service and whose mother has become a drug addict. Lastly, Greer meets Emmett when she's sent to make a home visit to see if he's eating and also to ask him to schedule a time for the other items. I was so drawn in by the brokenness they each displayed and how different it was in each person. Greer kept most of her personal information internally tucked away. She wore an invisible armor over herself to protect her heart and pride because that is what she damaged before.

Part of Emmett's damage is easy to see. That would be his leg. However, he also has hidden scars that he's battling emotionally. I believe in the case of each of these three individuals, they each had to either forgive themselves or someone else before they could move forward and find their way back to a "normal life," Seeing Greer taunt Emmett with her sarcasm was perfect. It's exactly what he needed...a swift kick in the butt. Then, as their friendship begins to evolve into something else, the push and pull between Greer and Emmett intensifies.

Overall, the flow of this story was close to perfect. You were able to meet the characters. Then, you gradually understood "where they came from" and "what their background was." It helped to really feel the connection.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this ARC in exchange for my honest review

4.5 stars

An Everyday Hero by Laura Trentham is a beautifully written and heartfelt read.
I enjoyed the storyline, it held my interest from start to end and I loved watching all the relationships unfold.

Overall, An Everyday Hero is a heartwarming read that touched my heart and an excellent addition to the Heart of a Hero series.

Now Live!
Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Everyday-Hero-...

*An ARC was provided in exchange for my honest thoughts.*

I received an Advanced Reader Copy from St. Martin's Griffin and NetGalley for my unbiased opinion of the book. This story starts out about Greer Hadley. First how Greer managed to get herself in trouble that she can’t pass off or talk her way out of. She is required to do community service at veteran nonprofit organization to fulfill her requirements for court. She doesn't feel she has anything to give or help others and is in over her head. Greer's tenacity and willing/unwillingness to make this work keeps her going. One of the people she is working with, Ally Martinez who fights her tooth and nail. Ally is dealing with the loss of her father from combat. When the organization coordinator throws the town golden boy in her path Emmett Lawson to help and bribes her with double and triple hours to help him since she is his last chance. He doesn't feel deserving of anyone's help and just wants to be left allow to wallow in his own pity and destructive behavior. Greer pulls out all the stops and tries to get his family involved to help him. His mother is desperate enough to try anything at this point. When Greer turns to him to help Ally who may have gotten in over her head with her mother trying to deal with her father’s death. When Greer forces Emmett to help her they all find out there is something bigger than themselves at work to help them do more than just survive but to flourish. I loved this book!!! You won’t be disappointed reading this really great ending. Laura really knows how to grab hold of you in the beginning of a story and not let go until the last page. I have people in my family who are retired military and this series is near and dear to me. Keep up the great writing Laura!!

I give this book a rating of 4.5 stars.

I am always super excited when publishers offer me the opportunity to join in on a blog tour -- especially when I already know I love the author and even more so when I've already read book #1 in a series!! Today's post is exactly one of those opportunities and today's book is An Everyday Hero by Laura Trentham. 

I'll be honest with everyone here - I already knew I loved this author because I've read (and reviewed) three of her other books in addition to The Military Life: (1) Leave the Night On; (2) When the Stars Come Out; and, (3) Set the Night on Fire.  All of them have been awesome, so of course, I couldn't wait to read An Everyday Hero.

I had assumed that this book was a continuation of the first, but as it turns out, this story is set in a different location and different characters.  What's the same is the fact that there are issues of being in the military and other life issues that are central.  The book is a standalone and comes to a successful and hope-filled ending. 

Ms. Trentham brings readers a novel with well rounded protagonists, Greer Hadley and Emmett Lawson, who are facing relevant and modern problems, and showing readers who they are handling those struggles with grace and conviction.  The topics of death, loss of a parent, anxiety, addiction, and the obvious problems associated with returning from the war and service, were honestly and carefully discussed.

The story is mostly set in Madison, Tennessee, which is a small town near Nashville. The author shares the story of the life of a musician/songwriter, and the life of a recently returned military vet trying to recover from his injuries.  An Everyday Hero explores the powerful nature of healing through trust, love and music. 

"An anchor weighs you down. Keeps you in one place. Why would you want to be with someone like that? You should be with someone who encourages you to fly."

I loved how the various issues were addressed and the story kept your attention and 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.  There are great secondary characters in the story and the setting itself makes this a riveting story, with a perfect happy ending.

Thanks to the author, Ms. Laura Trentham, St. Martin's Press and NetGalley, for the opportunity to read an advance copy this book.  I was not required to write a positive review and the thoughts expressed here are my own.

Greer is a singer but her dreams of a career have vanished in smoke. She ends up with community service where she meets Ally, a fifteen year old dealing with the death of her father in the military. She recognizes the talent that Ally has for music and vows to help her avoid the pitfalls she went through in the business. Greer also meets a veteran she is assigned to help named Emmett. Emmett is bitter and angry. Greer has no idea how to get through to him but her sass and determination won't let her give up on him. This was a good story about life, love, helping people and second chances.

I received a copy of this book via Netgalley and am leaving a review.

Author Laura Trentham is a born storyteller! She takes two people with mixed up crazy lives, blends them together and gets magic! Greer has been lost in the music world, trying to make it big. Emmett is a veteran with physical and mental wounds that came with the loss of a limb. Put them together and you have one heck of a mess....and magic! I love Ms. Trentham’s books and this one is no exception. Raw emotion and the healing of the soul make a great story. Five stars for this one.

An Everyday Hero deserves more than 5 stars. This beautifully written, emotional story was both heartwarming and heartbreaking. I absolutely loved Greer! She is my all-time favorite heroine. It was amusing to watch her go toe to toe with Emmett and Ally. These three characters were well-developed, and I was captivated by their journey from beginning to end.

Last year I read Laura Trentham's first "A Heart of a Hero" novel called The Military Wife and absolutely loved it! She also did an author Q&A with me on my blog where she announced the name of the second book in the series An Everyday Hero. I was super excited to be the first one to learn the title of this book.

And I was super excited to read it!

An Everyday Hero is a story about broken people and broken families coming together and building each other up. It tells of the struggles that wounded warriors face after returning from combat, challenges that military families face, and ways in which those individuals cope and manage through pretty tough times.

And there's also a love story. Because there HAS to be a love story!

There was a pretty shocking twist at the end that I was not expecting and did not see coming. It made the story that much sweeter and pulled the characters together for me.

I was really impressed by Laura Trentham's second book in this series and cannot wait to read more from her in the future. Check out her latest novel, An Everyday Hero, on sale today!

-I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley, Laura Trentham, and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to review.-

An Everyday Hero
Book 2 Heart of a Hero
Laura Trentham

An amazing sweet story that captured my attention right away. It is a family with heartbreak and heartwarming filled with love, laughter, and sadness.

"Regret and longing entwined. She wanted to spend the night in his bed and wake at dawn to make love to the sound of the world coming alive."

"What she saw made her heart double Dutch. Tenderness and regret and love."

Very well written. I really enjoyed and loved the story.

I highly recommend