An Everyday Hero Review

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.