Just in time for Independence Day, I took a ride-along adventure with some great American families as they traveled the world as they served the country – and yes, the entire families of the military service people serve the country, not just the service people.
About the Book
You knew what you signed up for. These words are often directed at military spouses, yet the true depth of what it will mean to be married to a service member is seldom fully grasped. In Milspouse Matters: Sharing Strength Through Our Stories, readers are immersed in the captivating world of military spouse life, unearthing the challenges and triumphs faced by those who leave behind the familiar to embrace a life of constant change. Authored by Jen McDonald, this compelling narrative weaves together the experiences of military spouses across generations, illuminating the unbreakable bonds that unite them. With a keen focus on the impact of frequent relocations, deployments, and the nomadic nature of military life, McDonald also celebrates these spouses’ resolute tenacity. Drawing from her personal three-decade journey as a military spouse, alongside stories from contemporary spouses and those from the Korean War and Vietnam conflict eras, Milspouse Matters reveals the remarkable strength within this community. Whether you’re seeking courage, confidence, or a deeper understanding of the military family experience, these shared stories invite you to discover the unyielding resilience that lies within us all.
This book is an inspiring and empowering journey into the heart of military spouse life, showcasing the remarkable resilience and dedication of these often unsung heroes. Beautifully and thoughtfully written by the insightful Jen McDonald, this captivating narrative illuminates the challenges and triumphs faced by military spouses, offering a profound glimpse into a life of constant change.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a brighter light to help them navigate the world as we know it. — Trevor Romain, bestselling author, speaker, and co-founder of The Comfort Crew for Military Kids
My Thoughts
I can’t relate to being a military spouse or kid. Until I was in college, I had the same zip code my entire life. But, I didn’t have the same house. I had a single mom, and somehow, we moved around – A LOT – within that one zip code. I don’t remember that. But when my husband and I first moved in together, because of various reasons, we moved every. single. year. for a while. Still in the same zip code (albeit a different one). Still, except for three months of my life, I’ve always lived in Louisiana. But, I know about moving. So, that aspect of Jen McDonald’s memoir stood out to me like a dang. sore. thumb.
Even with all that experience moving, a superhero military spouse I AM NOT!!!
Military spouses (and anyone whose spouse travels a lot) are superhuman! I could NOT do it!! Some of these stories. WOW! The one where the moving trucks turned the corner and orders changed. I think I’d just literally die. And I have ONE child. And a dad with dementia. But still. My husband and I barely hold it together. These people are made of something else!
If you enjoy hearing other people’s stories, you’ll enjoy this. I’m not huge on memoirs, but this one is exciting. I blew through it, and the author included stories from other military spouses she met through the years. This book had it all – romance, adventure, loss, and stories of coming together against odds. It’s a true story of the human condition. Also, if you liked the show “Army Wives” this is like a real-life version of that.
People love to say “You chose this” to all manner of people including military spouses, but it’s so much more complicated than that. Do any of us really know what we’re signing up for when that first flutter of love hits us?
I’m so grateful to the author, publisher, and Love Books Tours for the opportunity to be on this tour.
Who’s It For?
If you enjoy reading and hearing different people’s stories, you’ll enjoy this book. Also, if you’re a fan of the show “Army Wives,” or any slice-of-life sort of stories, you’ll enjoy it. Memoir and biography lovers will also enjoy it.
Content Warnings: Death, Natural Disaster, War, Political Ideology, Religious Ideology, Racism, Sexism, References to 9/11
Question of the Day
If you’re not in one of these military/offshore type relationships, do you think you could handle it?
About the Author
Jen McDonald is a longtime writer and editor, the author of the Amazon bestselling book, You Are Not Alone: Encouragement for the Heart of a Military Spouse, and the host of the Milspouse Matters podcast. She’s been published in numerous national publications and books, including Military Spouse Magazine, Military.com, and Chicken Soup for the Soul, and featured on national radio shows and podcasts. Jen was a military spouse for 30 years and is a mom to four young adults, including one son serving in the military. One of her happiest roles these days is being her grandbaby’s “Gigi.” She and her now retired Air Force husband were stationed all around the world from Europe to the Pacific, and somewhere along the way she learned to embrace the unknown…after lots of practice! After decades of moving with the military, she is now planted in Texas. Jen loves to encourage and connect with other military spouses in the unique life they face.
Amazon US: https://a.co/d/067qYCmT
Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Milspouse-Matters-Sharing-Strength-through-ebook/dp/B0CJCJVWS6
Published by Amorina Carlton. Award-winning American author, Amorina Carlton, is currently working on her first novel. You can find more about her published work and works in progress on the home page. She also serves as the PR/Marketing Lead for Ravens and Roses Publishing, and reviews books, mostly by other indie authors, here and on Bookstagram.