When Eagles Vie with Valkyries by Paul Hellweg

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MWSA Review

I’ve read a great deal of poetry about the Vietnam war, and I believe overall that Paul Hellweg’s When Eagles Vie With Valkyries is the most powerful and compelling collection of poetry about Vietnam I've read. His work is a deeply moving, visually and emotionally vivid, and often painful book of poetry that shares one soldier's heartfelt journey into the hell of Vietnam where he lost so many of his brothers and was seriously injured himself. Then some decades later, still deeply haunted by the war, he makes a number of trips back to Vietnam to try to understand his experience, heal physically and spiritually, put his words together in poetry, and to feel some real life, some meaningful connection, some sense of peace. He wants to recover the long blurred or buried sense of hope in life and about life. As he notes so aptly in his opening lines in the last poem in the book (p. 90): “Home is the place most difficult to find / buried under debris thrown up by memory

The book throughout is tremendously engaging due to its word choices, rhythms, points of view, and incredible imagery of moments in combat and his returns to Vietnam decades later. Here are just a few examples of the image-rich poetry that pull the reader into the sights, sounds, smells, fears and pains in the war, and then often brilliantly summarizes the poem in a powerful line or two. In the first big section of the book (War), for example, "The Peace of Westphalia” (p. 15), is tight, vivid, and jolting, and opens with the stunning lines: “No one ever told you / the single most important thing to know/in the whole wide world / is how to save the life of a gut-shot boy." "Moment of Silence” (p. 20) similarly wraps so much into two lines at the end: "in the moment of silence / between boot and land mine." Think about that. "Dance to the Dust of the Waltz" (p. 27), which may be the finest poem in the book, concludes with “You clear the tree line, joy surging / every cell fiber, synapse, as / eagles vie with Valkyries for your souls / and Wagner provides the overture," obviously the title source.

Poems in the second section of the book (Journey Home) are equally rich and provocative. They are a bit longer but have the same capability to cut into your mind or heart in just a line or two. In "No Vacancy" on page 55, for example: "The No Vacancy sign...posted at the door to your heart / discouraging anyone / from checking to see / if there's room there for them." This incredible capability to capture so much in so few words is also evident in "It Don't Mean Nothin" (p. 63): "It don't mean nothin' / became our epitaph. / It meant everything." Similarly, in "Sorrow of War," (p. 70), "...the respect due / human spirit undaunted and / suffering unredeemed." And in the last poem in the book, "Michele" (p. 90), the closing is so rich and evocative: "Soft, smooth, trusting / the tiny hands hold tight, and / a feeling forgotten begins to stir / aboard the train long dreamt.”

These are but a handful of incredibly powerful images that fill the pages of Hellweg’s terrific book. I strongly recommend it for the power and beauty of its words and language, and especially for its ability to carry readers much closer to understanding the physical, mental, and emotional impacts of the war on American soldiers and their families.

If “seeing is believing,” to cite a common phrase, then this book helps you see into the minds, hearts, and memories of our brothers who served in Vietnam, and to believe that war experience is never forgotten. It lives forever in minds, hearts, and memories, shaping whomever we are.

Review by Bruce Berger (June 2024)
 

Author's Synopsis

Paul Hellweg’s life story is unconventional, and “When Eagles Vie with Valkyries” (Hellweg’s collected Vietnam poems) tells his story in verse. The book takes a unique approach to war poetry by being written in the 2nd person, focusing more on life after the war than the war itself, and showing a path to recovery from PTSD.

Afflicted with PTSD, Hellweg spent most of his adult life alone and adrift. Decades after the war, he chanced upon a path to recovery by embracing Native American spirituality. As part of his healing, he returned to Vietnam, fell in love with the country and people, and eventually started living there. He at long last found love: His wife is Vietnamese, and their daughter (his first and only child) was born in 2016.

Healing from PTSD is possible, and “When Eagles Vie with Valkyries” recounts how one veteran succeeded.

Format(s) for review: Paper Only

Review Genre: Poetry—Poetry Book

Number of Pages: 92

Word Count: 10,169

Where the Seams Meet by Patrick Holcomb

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MWSA Review

In his compelling debut novel, Patrick Holcomb masterfully weaves together the intricate bonds between fathers and sons, using the timeless backdrop of America's beloved pastime: baseball. Where the Seams Meet stands out as a multigenerational narrative that follows the Romano family, delving into the complex relationship between Frank, a dedicated firefighter, and his son Danny, as their shared love for the game becomes both a refuge and a battlefield of emotions.

Set against the rich backdrop of San Francisco during the Giants' dynastic years of the early 2010s, Holcomb's vivid prose transports readers to a world where the crowd's roar and the crack of the bat parallel the emotional highs and lows of familial life. With authenticity and heart, the novel deftly navigates themes like loss, addiction, fatherly expectations, and the struggle to forge one's identity in the shadow of generational legacy.

Where the Seams Meet is not just a baseball novel but a profoundly human story that delves into the universal themes of love, sacrifice, and the power of shared passions. Holcomb's flawed yet endearing characters embark on a poignant journey of self-discovery and reconciliation, a journey that resonates universally with readers from all walks of life.

With its rich emotional depth, deft handling of tragedy, and a narrative that uplifts with its message of perseverance, Where the Seams Meet announces the arrival of a talented new literary voice. This remarkable debut is a must-read for baseball devotees and anyone who has found themselves torn between the weight of fatherly aspiration and the fear of failure. This narrative serves as a powerful reminder that our greatest triumphs often lie not in the numbers on a scorecard, but in the unwavering support of those who believe in us.

Review by Elvis Leighton (May 2024)
 

Author's Synopsis

Sometimes it's better to be lucky than good. Just ask the Romanos.

Dogged by tragedy and broken dreams, they’ve learned the hard way that not every mistake turns into a foul ball—and sometimes, it’s the words left unspoken that cut the deepest.

After fleeing 1970s San Francisco to escape the shadow of his abusive father, Frank struggles to balance his firefighting career with the demands of raising his talented but challenging son, Danny. Determined to transcend his tortured past, Frank bridges the growing chasm between them the only way he knows how: through baseball.

Danny’s meteoric rise on the diamond draws father and son together, but a shared passion for the game can only carry them so far. When life throws the Romanos a series of knee-buckling curveballs, not even the sport they love can strengthen the withering ties that bind.

As the thrilling seventh game of the 2014 World Series unfolds and chance offers them one last swing at redemption, father and son must confront their intermingled traumas to finally answer the question that torments them both: Is there life after baseball?

Format(s) for review: Paper & Kindle

Review Genre: Fiction—Literary Fiction

Number of Pages: 310

Word Count: 94,000

Hangar 4 by Isaac G. Lee

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MWSA Review

Lt. Col. Isaac Lee’s Hangar 4 offers an unflinching, deeply personal account of the Global War on Terror through the eyes of a CH-53 pilot. As a historical narrative, it provides a stark look at the critical role heavy hauler helicopters played in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Afghanistan. Lee’s firsthand experience as a pilot lends authenticity to the story, with realistic dialogue and meticulously accurate military doctrine that grounds the reader in the high-stakes reality of combat missions. Filled with beautifully descriptive prose and authentic dialogue, one can almost smell the jet fuel exhaust and pungent saltiness of Marines in need of a shower. The salty language common to Marines and the vivid depiction of sweating it out in the cockpit under a 110-degree heat in low-light night flying dodging haboobs add layers of realism to the narrative through technically and culturally accurate accounts.

The protagonist's addiction to the adrenaline of combat and subsequent problem drinking, common in Marine culture, are explored with a raw honesty that is both compelling and unsettling. Through detailed accounts of specific missions, such as sweating under the “chicken plate” while evading surface-to-air missile pings with only three machine guns to defend the nearly 100-foot-long helicopter crawling along at under 200 mph, Lee reveals how the allure of war can consume even the most disciplined warriors. War can leave you numb to the danger and death.

The book's tone shifts from action-packed to somber as it delves into the psychological toll of repeated deployments, shedding light on the invisible wounds carried by those who serve on the front lines. Alongside these gripping combat narratives, Lee chronicles his growth as a coach’s son and baseball star in west Texas to a pilot and leader of Marines, from flying white-knuckle entry-level syllabus as a co-pilot to commanding a combined unit. His love for being with his Marines and fostering their growth, coupled with a fierce desire to bring every one of them home, stands out as a central theme. As so many memories are linked with music, as a nice immersive touch, a playlist designed to set a mood for each chapter is also offered by the author.

Equally poignant is the portrayal of the impact these deployments have on the pilot’s family. His wife’s quiet resilience and his son and daughter’s struggles with their father’s absence and dopamine addiction paint a heartbreaking picture of a family caught in the crossfire of duty and personal sacrifice. Lee's courage to deal with PTSD and seek therapy, driven by his desire to show up "as the best version of himself" for his Marines and family, is a testament to his character. It is not just a tribute to the valor of helicopter pilots; it is a powerful reminder of the enduring human costs of war, offering readers a sobering perspective on the sacrifices made by military families. This book made the reviewer proud to be a Marine, and Col. Lee sums up the Marine Corps experience perfectly with a line in the final chapter: “The greatest gift that the Marine Corps gives is the honor of being in the presence of other Marines” (p 367). Lee gives the reader a glimpse into that world in a few hundred pages that is at once satisfying, inspiring, hopeful and leaves the reader grateful that Marines carry the weight to keep America free.

Review by Shawn R. Frost (June 2024)

 

Author's Synopsis

The best of the best... Risk taker. Son. Badass. Husband. Combat Aviator. Father.

From Officer Candidates School to squadron Commanding Officer, Isaac G. Lee, Lieutenant Colonel, USMC (Ret.), reached the finish line at HANGAR 4 on MCAS Miramar at the conclusion of seven deployments during his two decades of service. In this memoir, he shares the lessons, the rewards, the losses, and ultimately, the personal cost.

Isaac pushed every boundary he encountered as a combat aviator, repeatedly testing his own mettle under harsh wartime conditions. He sets a high standard in HANGAR 4 with his candid accounting of a transformative journey that took place while he endeavored to balance life in the squadron, in the cockpit, in war zones, and at home.

Combat defines every warfighter, along with episodes of survivor's guilt, emotional numbness, and lingering grief. Personal reckoning occurs in the aftermath of war.

Truth triumphs. Once a Marine, Always a Marine.

Format(s) for review: Paper and Kindle

Review Genre: Nonfiction—Memoir/Biography

Number of Pages: 366

Word Count: 119,545

Magical Morning Moments: Awakening to Love and Light by Wanda W. Jerome and Jasmine Tritten

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MWSA Review

Magical Morning Moments: Awakening to Love and Light is a delightful surprise of art with every turn of the page. Wanda Jerome’s poetry complements Jasmine Tritten’s kaleidoscope of sunrises over the breathtaking New Mexico’s Sandia Mountains.

In the last poem, Jerome’s words accompany the promise of daybreak over the mountains captured by Tritten. “The sun breaks free. Shine on, rays of life! No longer do I have to search for Thee. I am here, a willing target for your love.”

This inspirational and lovely book brings a peace of mind and a piece of art to brighten your day. I breezed through it and then again. Thank you, ladies, for this unique gift.

Review by Nancy Panko (April 2024)
 

Author's Synopsis

Heartfelt poems channeled through spiritual inspiration and personal messages of love and light accompany photographs of enchanting New Mexico's beautiful sunrises over the Sandia Mountains. Included are glimpses into the natural environment of New Mexico – the flora and fauna – that make it a special destination for nature lover and spiritual seekers.

This collaboration came about magically through a shared appreciation of their experiences during morning meditations. Weaving a tapestry of poems and photographs, the authors hope to lift the spirits of souls in need of love, light and joy.

Format(s) for review: Paper Only

Review Genre: Artistic—Pictorial/Coffee Table

Number of Pages: 108

Word Count: 3,260

The Expendable by John Lewis Floyd

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MWSA Review

The Expendable is the World War Two story of Navy Corpsman Charles Beckner, who was serving in the Philippine Islands when the war with Japan broke out. It was written by Beckner’s son-in-law, John Lewis Floyd, a retired Air Force medical doctor. The book is a work of creative nonfiction, which uses fictional literary styles and techniques to tell a story while adhering strictly to the facts. Using this style makes for an easy and even flowing read.

Beckner left a small Midwestern town well before the war started for the U.S. Using base libraries and engaging with educated commissioned officers, he soon developed a wide vocabulary, expanded his general knowledge, and followed the war in Europe and Japan’s war on China. As the woefully undermanned, ill-equipped, poorly supplied, and under-trained U.S. forces in the Philippine Islands prepared for war, Beckner took it upon himself to increase his training and preparedness, including becoming a qualified gunner on the legendary M2 .50-caliber machine gun. His initiative served him well.

When Pearl Harbor was attacked in Dec. 1941, it soon became clear to those serving in the Philippines that they would not be reinforced or resupplied and could only fight on to delay Japan’s war plans as long as possible. As bases and facilities were destroyed, Beckner wisely tried to take charge of his own fate, to the extent possible, which led him on an odyssey where he witnessed almost all of the historical milestones of the doomed Philippine campaign.

The author’s medical expertise gives great insight into Beckner’s combat medical episodes. The creative nonfiction format works very well with this story and draws in other legendary true-life characters of that place and time. Overall, this is a very satisfying read.

Review by Terry Lloyd (May 2024)
 

Author's Synopsis

The Expendable is a captivating, true story from the opening months of WWII in the Pacific. As smoke billows skyward from Pearl Harbor, Japan throws its full military might against the outnumbered and under-equipped Filipino forces. Hart sends his U.S. Asiatic Fleet south, to the safety of Allied waters. When the remnants of PBY Patrol Wing 10 depart with the fleet, Charles Beckner, corpsman for Squadron 102, is left behind with no apparent avenue for escape. Under relentless pressure from General Homma's troops and air forces, the American-Filipino troops retreat to the tip of the Bataan Peninsula. Sick with malaria and dysentery and nearly out of food and ammunition, surrender is imminent for those who survive. Charles wrangles a transfer to Motor Torpedo Boat Squadron 3 as machine gunner and corpsman on PT-34. After two months of engaging enemy forces along the Bataan coast, Squadron 3 is tasked with a critical, covert mission, evacuating General MacArthur, that once more leaves Charles stranded, this time on the southern Philippine island of Cebu. As the Japanese noose tightens, Charles joins other sailors and soldiers preparing for guerrilla resistance from the interior mountains of Mindanao Island. His plans are interrupted by one more mission, one that will unexpectedly reunite him with crewmen of his old seaplane squadron. With advancing Japanese troops only minutes away, the decision is to take the only remaining chance to escape, risking death rather than surrender.

Format(s) for review: Paper and Kindle

Review Genre: Nonfiction—Creative Nonfiction

Number of Pages: 505

Word Count: 150,000

Mission Transition: Navigating the Opportunities and Obstacles to Your Post-Military Career by Matthew J. Louis

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MWSA Review

Mission Transition: Navigating the Opportunities and Obstacles to Your Post-Military Career is a comprehensive guide and resource for all transitioning military—enlisted or officer—whether leaving after the first hitch or retiring after a long career. The author made a highly successful transition from retiring as a field grade Army officer and becoming an executive in a very prestigious Technology Fast 500 company.

Rather than writing the typical job search, resume, and interview transition book, the author takes on the trend of many veterans finding themselves going through several civilian positions before finding their true career calling. He does this by encouraging those leaving military service to start by using the tools and processes, included in the opening chapters of the book, to focus on career fields best suited to their personality and work/life goals. This approach should be extremely helpful for military members coming from military occupations such as combat arms, which do not have easily translatable skill sets applicable to the civilian world.

In addition to immediate transition, the book is filled with real-world advice for career success and progress. Most notably, the author then encourages veterans who successfully achieve their civilian career goals to “assimilate and give back” to those veterans coming behind them.

Lt. Col. Lewis should be commended for his dedication and hard work in producing this book for his fellow veterans and maintaining the accompanying website that is full of useful resources.

Review by Terry Lloyd (May 2024)
 

Author's Synopsis

Mission Transition is an essential career-change guide for any transitioning veteran that wants to avoid false starts and make optimal career choices following active duty.

Every year, about a quarter of a million veterans leave the military - most of whom are unprepared for the transition. These service members have developed incredible leadership, problem-solving, and practical skills that are underutilized once they reach the civilian world, a detriment to both themselves and society.

Well-intentioned Transition Assistance Programs and other support structures within the armed forces often leave veterans fending for themselves. The mission-first culture of the military results in service members focusing on their active duty roles in the year leading up to their separation, leaving them little time to adequately prepare to join the civilian world.

President of Purepost, a next-generation staffing solution and public benefits corporation, and author Matthew J. Louis guides military personnel through the entire process of making a successful move into civilian professional life.

In Mission Transition, this book will:

* Guide you through the process of discovering what path you want to take going forward

* Teach you the strategies that will make your résumé stand out

* Provide suggestions to help you prepare for and ace the interview

* Discuss ways to acclimate to your new organization’s culture and pay it forward to other veterans

Each chapter includes advice from other veterans, illustrations of key concepts, summaries, and suggested resources. Let this well-written and easy to follow guidebook help you transition out from the military and commit to being successful in the next chapter of your life.

Format(s) for review: Paper & Kindle

Review Genre: Nonfiction—How to/Business

Number of Pages: 304

Word Count: 70000

Hiring Veterans: How To Leverage Military Talent for Organizational Growth by Matthew J. Louis

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MWSA Review

Hiring Veterans by Matthew J. Louis is just about the only reference you will need to successfully incorporate veterans as employees into your business.

The author provides concrete examples of what to do when hiring veterans. It stresses the creation of an organization or designated support staff to manage the process of identifying, interviewing, and incorporating veterans into a business organization, be it large or small.

The book does an excellent job of explaining the differences between military culture and business culture. Furthermore, the programs and processes Mr. Louis describes can be applied not only to hiring veterans, but also to hiring non-veterans, because many of the suggestions and proven methods he describes seem to translate well to the general population of non-military job candidates.

In addition to contrasting military culture with civilian culture, Hiring Veterans addresses the topic of governing regulations, as well as how to create, implement, and sustain veteran support programs within a business. It goes further, tackling setting expectations, identifying and recruiting candidates, interviewing them, implementing onboarding activities, and determining success measures.

Examples and quotes from companies who have made a special effort to hire veterans are enlightening and useful.

Visuals include charts, diagrams, and checklists, which can be adapted to a specific company’s situation.

Whether you are a small business owner or a hiring manager in a larger corporation, Hiring Veterans is a valuable resource to use.

Review by Patrica Walkow (May 2024)
 

Author's Synopsis

The definitive guide to hiring and retaining members of the military community by the foremost authority on the transition from military to civilian work-life.

“This book helps give employers the practical tools they need to hire and retain our well-qualified veterans and fully utilize the skills they acquired while serving in the Armed Forces. From leadership and work ethic to managing diverse teams in high-stress environments, [the skills] our veterans bring to the workforce . . . can ultimately prove invaluable to an organization.” —Col. Brad Wenstrup, USAR, member of Congress

“Hiring Veterans is a blueprint on how to welcome, support, and advance the military-connected community. It is a long-needed guidebook for employers that seek to become military-inclusive.” —Betsy Hubbard, vice president of programs, National Veterans Leadership Foundation

“If you or your business leaders seek to leverage the skills and abilities of this nation’s military service members, Hiring Veterans is your guide.” —Sean Passmore, head of military talent strategic sourcing and enterprise military and veteran initiatives, Wells Fargo Bank, NA

Veterans represent a real-time talent pool of experienced, trained, and dedicated professionals that, when properly harnessed, comprise an instant means of improving your competitiveness and productivity. Hiring Veterans covers important topics, such as how to successfully:

* organize and staff a veteran support program;

* identify and recruit candidates;

* onboard, deploy, and retain veteran hires;

* capitalize on financial incentives for veteran employment;

* and apply for military friendly recognition programs.

Format(s) for review: Paper & Kindle

Review Genre: Nonfiction—How to/Business

Number of Pages: 256

Word Count: 65000

Finding Waypoints by Terese Schlachter and Colonel Gregory Gadson (ret.)

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MWSA Review

Finding Waypoints: A Warrior’s Journey Towards Peace and Purpose is a highly impactful book introducing readers to an amazing man who not only survives catastrophic injuries, but excels in his recovery, due to his resilient nature. From the gridiron to combat and back, Colonel Greg Gadson demonstrates the power of belief and reliance on teammates and family in this inspirational story.

The prologue sets the stage well for how the story will be told. Pentagon Channel then-reporter Terese Schlachter meets Gadson while covering a story at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. He literally “tumbles” into her life. Her excellent research and first-hand observations make the reader feel as if he or she is there in many of the scenes. She is also a gifted writer and storyteller whose closeness to her co-author Gadson and his family shines through in her words.

All the characters come to life, and the emotions range from hopelessness to humor to unconditional love. This book should be required reading for the military’s reading lists as an example of believing in what one can do and following personal waypoints to create and achieve success.

Review by Valerie Ormond (February 2024)
 

Author's Synopsis

In military jargon, the word “waypoints” refers to guideposts on a map used to direct soldiers in or out of a location like a rendezvous point. For Colonel Greg Gadson—a battalion commander and former West Point football player— who lost both legs as a result of an IED attack in Iraq in 2007, these waypoints were to change drastically, and inform his future life through his long, painful recovery and emergence as a spiritual guide and assistant coach to the NY Giants during their own trials of fire in the 2007 season that took them from last place to a Super Bowl championship in 2008. Soon after, Gadson also starred in a major motion picture (“Battleship”) and since then has become a motivational speaker for thousands of individuals, both civilian and military, and leader for veterans’ programs and outdoor experiential healing expeditions. This honest and deeply personal story of transformation from battlefield leader to speaker and life coach, will inspire readers to consider their own waypoints towards their own life’s betterment and the lives of those around them.

Format(s) for review: Paper and Kindle

Review Genre: Nonfiction—Memoir/Biography

Number of Pages: 341

Word Count: 96,000

Deadly Depths by John F. Dobbyn

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MWSA Review

John Dobbyn’s Deadly Depths is not a mystery thriller—it’s two action-packed thrillers! A pirate story, tucked within a complicated multi-murder mystery, is so intriguing it could stand on its own.

Archeologist Barry Holmes dies by suicide (not!). His protégé and dear friend, law professor Matthew Shane, embarks on a treacherous and tenacious quest to find out who killed Holmes. Holmes was one of five members of a secret society in search of an elusive treasure. Matt traipses all over the world, following cryptic clues, jumping through hoops, trying to stay one step ahead of an unknown, but quite dangerous enemy, not knowing who to trust. Clarity for Matt only begins to set in when he meets Mr. Mehmed and his daughter, who explain: When the Spanish attempted to decimate the Aztec culture in the name of Christianity, a particular statue (“jeweled facets set in the purest gold, standing higher than my waist”) was salvaged. It was the ultimate cultural, financial, and spiritual possession; the secret location was handed down from leader to leader.

Matt’s escapades include deadly baboons, alligators, snakes, and diving down to a sunken slave ship in an attempt to retrieve a 400-year-old pirate’s journal. “I followed him through that particular moment that only those who dive can comprehend—an instantaneous passing, as through Alice’s looking glass, into a world as alien as outer space, the submerged realm of the sea.” This reader was mesmerized by the tale (or is it historical fact?) documented by the young protégé of the famous privateer, Captain Morgan.

Whether describing horrifying scenarios or jet-setting yachts and mansions, complete with delicious meals (“croissants so light they required fresh butter and jam to keep them on the plate”), Deadly Depths doesn’t disappoint. It’s consistently vivid, with an air of suspense from beginning to end.

Review by Sue Rushford (February 2024)
 

Author's Synopsis

Five adventuring archeologist, self-dubbed The Monkey's Paws are drawn into a quest for a priceless object that originated in the Aztec Kingdom of the fifteenth century, appeared again in the golden age of piracy on the Caribbean, and was finally located in the Jamaican mountain village of the former slaves known as the Maroons. The death of one of the archeologists, called a suicide by the police, involves Michael Shane in the mission to prove that it was murder. The search takes Michael, a former investigator with United States Air Force Intelligence, from the steamy bayous of New Orleans to the backstreets of Montreal and a sunken pirate vessel in the Caribbean.

Format(s) for review: Paper or Kindle

Review Genre: Fiction—Mystery/Thriller/Crime

Number of Pages: 307

Word Count: 87,000

Milspouse Matters: Sharing Strength Through Our Stories by Jen McDonald

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MWSA Review

Milspouse Matters: Sharing Strength through Our Stories by Jen McDonald is a collection of thoughts and nuggets of advice for military spouses with any length of service. But it is so much more. Much of the material would also offer comfort and strength to single parents, widows and widowers, and civilian family members or friends seeking a better understanding of the military. Some of the advice applies to every human being, like this gem on page 117: “There is never a guarantee of another single day. Live each day the best you can and squeeze all the life out of it that you can get. Don’t take your loved ones for granted. Love them.”

McDonald’s sage advice is interspersed with personal anecdotes that allow readers to identify with her, accept their own emotional responses, and normalize their experiences. Often, we isolate ourselves, thinking we are the only ones, and this book negates that thinking, drawing the reader into the community of others who have walked before us on a similar path. McDonald also quotes seasoned spouses, showing the reader that they can also find the strength to deal with life’s vicissitudes.

Although the book is specific to the military experience, the style of writing and the engaging use of humor will appeal to others in many walks of life.

Review by Betsy Beard (March 2024)
 

Author's Synopsis

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.

Format(s) for review: Paper and Kindle

Review Genre: Nonfiction—Memoir/Biography

Number of Pages: 251

Word Count: 66,153

Luke Under Fire: Caught Behind Enemy Lines by D. C. Reep and E. A. Allen

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MWSA Review

Luke Under Fire: Caught Behind Enemy Lines by D.C. Reep and E. A. Allen is a coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of World War I. In Michigan, seventeen-year-old Luke becomes embroiled in a fight that could lead to repercussions, but his father sends him to stay with his cousin in England until the uproar dies down. The two cousins decide to enlist shortly after war is declared and deploy to the trenches in Belgium. While the battle is raging, Luke’s company is told to hold their position. Battlefield communications being what they were, they never receive the orders to fall back. What follows is a harrowing story of Luke’s attempts to keep what’s left of his unit together, while trying to reconnect with the British army.

World War 1 seems to be a forgotten war, so this story for a young adult audience gives a good glimpse into what it was like for the combatants. The setting is well drawn, there is good emotional content for the characters, and a great use of present tense throughout to put the reader in the main character's shoes. Of note, the author deftly handles the use of swearing by the soldiers so that the reader is not inundated with F-bombs. ("He takes out his water bottle, drinks, and swears an oath that would shock even my dad.")

Review by Betsy Beard (March 2024)
 

Author's Synopsis

Michigan teen Luke Sawyer and his English cousin enlist in the British army to see the world. But it's 1914, and they are caught in WW1. Ordered to resist to the end and outnumbered, the teens face the advancing Germans. On the roaring battlefield, in a German prison, with a desperate escape and a race to freedom, Luke fights to save his friends and survive The Great War.

Format(s) for review: Paper and Kindle

Review Genre: Children & Young Adult—Young Adult (fiction or non-fiction)

Number of Pages: 200

Word Count: 66,422

Against All Enemies by Thomas M. Wing

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MWSA Review

In his book Against All Enemies, author Thomas Wing has provided us with a fascinating tale of what may happen if the Chinese committed a limited, surprise attack against the United States. The Chinese believed that a non-nuclear attack that significantly destroyed our ability to respond would force a wounded US to accept an immediate cease fire agreement. They were wrong, and elements of the Pacific fleet took the fight right back to them. Outnumbered, and for the most part fighting without communications and satellite assistance, Commander Bill Wilkins and the crew of the USS Nicholas wreak havoc on the Chinese navy. The author's portrayal of the naval combat kept my attention throughout the book. Anyone who enjoys reading military fiction should enjoy this book.

Review by Bob Doerr ( February 2024)
 

Author's Synopsis

When the People’s Republic of China unleashes a devastating attack on the United States, newly appointed Navy Commander Bill Wilkins and his crew are suddenly alone, deep in the enemy’s backyard, and unable to communicate with naval or national leadership.

At home in Washington, the president is detached from reality. Survivors of his cabinet contend with military leadership for control, some to save the nation they serve, others in pursuit of personal power.As America becomes alienated from her allies, Russia begins a campaign that creates heightened fears of nuclear annihilation.

Bill must navigate a political minefield to find friends among China’s neighbors while undertaking a role that demands he take unimaginable risks and wrestle with the question, What losses are acceptable in order to win?

Format(s) for review: Paper and Kindle

Review Genre: Fiction—Mystery/Thriller/Crime

Number of Pages: 461

Word Count: About 112,000

Welcome Home to Murder by Rosalie Spielman

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MWSA Review

If you want to immerse yourself in a captivating, quick read with unexpected plot twists and turns, pick up Welcome Home to Murder by Rosalie Spielman.

Her well-developed characters are colorful, credible, and refreshingly authentic. Despite genuine life issues of PTSD and the loss of loved ones, Spielman keeps the reader uplifted with down-to-earth humor that will have you laughing out loud. Her plot details are vivid and suspenseful, and her use of language is colorful.

The protagonist, Tessa Treslow, left home in rural Idaho after high school and joined the U.S. Army. After two decades, she returns with her dog, Vince, to her family and the small-town life she had left behind. Tessa’s homecoming takes a turn when a body turns up in her aunt’s auto shop, and it appears that someone has set sights on everything her family holds dear. To protect her family from unjust accusations, Tessa takes the investigation into her own hands—a challenging task with a long list of potential suspects.

Welcome Home to Murder is a mystery well worth the read. I recommend giving it a try!

Review by Sandi Cathcart (February 2024)

Author's Synopsis

From author Rosalie Spielman comes a heartfelt cozy mystery that proves sometimes coming home again can be murder...

Tessa Treslow never wanted a small town life. As soon as she graduated high school, she happily escaped her tiny town to join the U.S. Army, leaving New Oslo, Idaho, population 852, firmly behind her. Twenty years later, the hometown hero is finally ready to come back—even if she has just a visit with loved ones in mind while her family is hoping to convince her to stay for good.

With her fawn boxer dog, Vince, in tow, Tessa falls into the familiar small town life, helping out in her family's general store and her feisty Aunt Edna's auto body shop. But her peaceful homecoming is shattered when the dead body of a crooked con man turns up in her aunt's shop, and the police have some serious questions for the family. To make matters worse, the sheriff in charge just happens to be Tessa's ex-boyfriend... and things did not end well between them all those years ago. When it comes out that the con man was trying to get his hands on the family business, Tessa knows they're in trouble.

With her family in danger of being dragged away in handcuffs, Tessa becomes a woman on a mission to find the con man's killer. Between a slew of suspects, a meandering moose, and a handsome newcomer with his eye on Tessa, she has her work cut out for her. But when the killer changes tactics—putting everything her family holds dear in jeopardy—Tessa begins to realize what home really means to her. Can she be the hero for her hometown once again... before it's too late?

Format(s) for review: Paper and Kindle

Review Genre: Fiction—Mystery/Thriller/Crime

Number of Pages: 243

Word Count: 76,000

Down a Dark Road by H. W. "Buzz" Bernard

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MWSA Review

Down a Dark Road by Buzz Bernard is the fourth in his World War II historical fiction series When Heroes Flew. While based somewhat on a real person and some of his experiences, additional characters bring the story to life. The characters and the setting were superbly done and quite believable. Many of the descriptions are not only creative and different with the use of literary devices, but they also have a memorable quality.

The characters were written so that I cared about them and was sad when any of them died.  
The author uses language that is precise and paints a picture that is easily understood. He uses repetition only for effect (scenes of the death camps). The death camp scenes are well told, although a difficult subject, and may seem overdone to some, but I find that the repetition pointed out exactly how horrible they were.

World War II aficionados will find new material relating to some of the less well-known missions.

Review by Betsy Beard (January 2024)

 

Author's Synopsis

DOWN A DARK ROAD, based on a true story, hurls readers into the shadowy forests of WWII Austria where a weary and battle-worn Army platoon is about to discover the war’s most horrific secret.

As the war in Europe draws to a close, young Army lieutenant, Jim Thayer, finds himself and his platoon on the point of the American advance into Austria. Jim and his men are no strangers to the horrors of war. But what they find hidden in the forests of western Austria plunges them into the true heart of darkness.

Battling remnants of the legendary Waffen SS, Germany’s elite fighting force, Jim and his men come face to face with the cruel brutality of the Nazi regime. They bear witness to the fields of death left in its wake.

Determined to catch the architect of this atrocity, Jim dispatches an unofficial team of unlikely allies—an American bomber pilot, a German Luftwaffe fighter pilot, and a young Austrian woman—to track him down.

The war may be ending. But for these strange comrades in arms, the final battle is only just beginning.

Format(s) for review: Paper and Kindle

Review Genre: Fiction—Historical Fiction

Number of Pages: 220

Word Count: 65,000

The Giant Awakens by Lee Jackson

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MWSA Review

The Giant Awakens by Lee Jackson is a fantastic work that offers something for all readers, whether you're seeking a fictional account of well-known events, or a greater insight into the characters and interactions of monumental figures like FDR and Churchill, or getting a sense of being “there” for the pilots and grunts, diplomats and spies who served in WWII. Jackson does a great job balancing the high-level strategic situations and the tactical ones. He presents well-known historical events and characters in a fresh light, giving the reader a strong appreciation for events and historical figures from a new perspective.

Jackson clearly did his research, whether it was geography, strategy, personality, or the armaments of war, and he presented dialogue in a realistic manner, weaving in necessarily historical reminders in a seamless and logical way.

I also “read” the audio book, which was a great experience, often making me feel like I was a fly on the wall of some of the 20th century's most significant events.

Review by Frank Biggio (July 2023)

Author's Synopsis

The world is at war.

Japan has just attacked Pearl Harbor. In London, Prime Minister Churchill disappears. In Washington, President Roosevelt faces an alliance with conflicting objectives. In the Soviet Union, dictator Joseph Stalin watches a Nazi onslaught maul his country.

From their isolated perch on Sark Island, feudal rulers Dame Marian Littlefield and her husband oppose their German occupiers in the only way left to them—through a battle of wits. They wonder about the location and well-being of their offspring, Paul, Claire, Lance, and Jeremy.

Meanwhile, Paul engages in intelligence operations in Manhattan and Washington, DC. Claire works with Americans decoding enemy messages. Lance conspires to escape with other POWs at Oflag IV-C within the walls of Colditz Castle. Jeremy leaves his heart with Amélie in France to join the British commandos for the greatest raid in history.

And in Moscow, the Russian winter has just set in.

The saga of the Littlefield family intensifies in THE GIANT AWAKENS, the fourth installment in Lee Jackson's epic After Dunkirk series.

Format(s) for review: Paper and Kindle

Review Genre: Fiction—Historical Fiction

Number of Pages: 600

Word Count: 149,629

Women of the Blue and Gray: Mothers, Medics, Soldiers, and Spies of the Civil War by Marianne Monson

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MWSA Review

War has always played a defining role in the evolution of man. While one side seeks an outcome, the other defends what is threatened; families are displaced, and the door is flung open to famine and disease. Body count and lost or claimed territory determine success and failure. Too often overlooked, is the emotional, psychological, and physical impact on women and children, the ones left behind while their sons, brothers, husbands, fathers, uncles head into battle, perhaps never to be seen or held again. In Women of the Blue and Gray, Marianne Monson sheds light on that sacrifice by sharing women’s journals and literary works written during the Civil War. She does not limit voices to the white and privileged. Represented in this fascinating account are the insights and reflections of women born into slavery, Native American survivors, and women on both sides who risked their all to support the cause they believed in and the men they loved.

With a personal interest in the wisdom of women’s voices as well as the historical significance of firsthand documentation, I had a vested interest in reading this book. I was not disappointed. As the author allows her characters to speak in their own words, the reader learns how some women chose to dress as men to fight on the battlefield; how others became spies using their charms, their ears, and their skirts to convey information; while other women inched their way into field hospitals saving lives that may have been lost without them.

Born outside the United States, my knowledge of the Civil War was gleaned from a few brief conversations, the occasional sighting of a Confederate flag, and a sobering afternoon spent at Vicksburg. I now understand the depth of a conflict that perhaps could not have been avoided. The author’s words inspire a reflection on how much headway we have made on racial issues and women’s rights. She also lays out a possible path for how the nation, again divided, can avoid another brutal sacrifice. The key rests in education, hope, freedom, forgiveness, understanding, and a vision of peace. Could these scribbles on whatever paper accessible at the time teach us something one hundred sixty plus years later? Sallie Watie, one of the few Native American voices whose words survived, summed up the dire impact of diversity when she wrote: “‘I would like to live a short time in peace just to see how it would be. I would like to feel free in life again and feel no dread of war.’” In bringing these long-ago voices to the fore, Marianne Monson invites the reader to ponder: Can oppression be overcome without hatred and violence? Can differences be resolved without hatred and violence? Is difference possible without oppression?

Review by Janette Stone (June 2023)

 

Author's Synopsis

Hidden amongst the photographs, uniforms, revolvers, and war medals of the Civil War are the remarkable stories of some of the most unlikely heroes—women.

North, South, black, white, Native American, immigrant—the women in these micro-drama biographies are wives, mothers, sisters, and friends whose purposes ranged from supporting husbands and sons during wartime to counseling President Lincoln on strategy, from tending to the wounded on the battlefield to spiriting away slaves through the Underground Railroad, from donning a uniform and fighting unrecognized alongside the men to working as spies for either side.

This book brings to light the incredible stories of women from the Civil War that remain relevant to our nation today. Each woman's experience helps us see a truer, fuller, richer version of what really happened in this country during this time period.

Format(s) for review: Paper and Kindle

Review Genre: Nonfiction—History

Number of Pages: 208

Word Count: 60,000

A Day Like Any Other by Bob Every

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MWSA Review

A Day Like Any Other by Robert Every is a beautifully written story. Author Every’s writing paints a colorful picture of a love story between an anti-war Boston socialite doctor and a Navy man from South Boston.

From the beginning, I was invested in the main character, Lieutenant Bill Simmons. When he meets Mary, I felt the intensity of this chance encounter as Bill experiences love at first sight. While Mary struggles with her unexpected attraction to a military man, Bill falls even more in love, and in a short time, so does Mary. Bill proposes, much to Mary’s father’s consternation.

Bill’s deployment to Japan after their marriage separates the couple until Mary joins him a few weeks later. Mary isn’t sure what her husband does on his diesel-powered submarine, but she fears it is dangerous. After turning down a well-paying job at the local hospital, Mary spends her time helping out at a local orphanage and falls in love with Mikasa, a petite, dark-haired Down’s Syndrome girl. When introduced to Mikasa, Bill falls in love as well.

The author’s knowledge and experiences of naval service are apparent with his definitive descriptions of the sub, Daedalus, of which Lt. Simmons is the executive officer. Simmons works hard to forge respectful relationships with his crew and runs a tight ship. Before leaving port on a potentially dangerous mission, the lieutenant and his men qualify on the weapons range in preparation for a possible enemy encounter.

Bill, Mary, and Mikasa have a tearful parting as Bill sets out to sea on the Daedalus to patrol waters off the coast of North Korea. Mary has a sense of foreboding and Bill’s valid concerns went unspoken to his wife.

This wonderful story captivated me. I couldn’t put the book down and wanted more when it ended. Does the sub run into trouble? Will this family be reunited? I was on the edge of my seat, and you will be, too.

Review by Nancy Panko (June (2023)
 

Author's Synopsis

As the war in Vietnam is drawing to a close, Bill, a navy lieutenant from South Boston, meets Mary, a doctor and anti-war daughter from one of Beacon Hill's oldest families. A day that would transform two lives and two visions, initiating events that would disrupt seats of power and headlines around the globe. A tender story of love and redemption amid the violence of a nation torn by war. A Day Like Any Other combines military romance with literary fiction to create a captivating novel that makes you pause and think about its reflection in your own life.

Format(s) for review: Paper and Kindle

Review Genre: Fiction—Literary Fiction

Number of Pages: 293

Word Count: 71,000

Before the Snow Flies by John Wemlinger

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MWSA Review

Part romance, part courtroom drama, part mystery, and part literary fiction, Before the Snow Flies by John Wemlinger has something for everyone to enjoy. Revolving around Major David Keller, a double amputee returning home from Afghanistan in June—by way of Landstuhl and Walter Reed—the storyline leads readers through family issues, small-town politics, post-traumatic stress episodes, and well-kept secrets. Dynamic characters and a well described setting enhance the story. Throughout the book, the question lingers as to whether David will attain his goal of completing suicide before the snow flies. The reader is kept wondering whether an old flame will reignite or past jealousies will douse the flame. The suspense drives the story to the final page when the reader discovers if hope will triumph over fear.

Review by Betsy Beard (June 2023)

 

Author's Synopsis

Major David Keller was well on his way to becoming a general when a roadside bomb in Afghanistan took his legs. Angry, grieving, and carrying a loaded gun, David returns home to mend a few fences before using that gun to end his life. But before the snow flies, his family, his community, and Maggie McCall, someone he's tried to forget, will prove to him that life in the small town of Onekama, Michigan, can be great once again--if he will only let it--and if murder doesn't get in the way

Format(s) for review: Paper and Kindle

Review Genre: Fiction—Romance

Number of Pages: 313

Word Count: 80K

100 Days Smart: A Kindergarten teacher shares lessons on life, learning, and community during the COVID-19 outbreak in bella Italia by Karin Tramm

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MWSA Review

Kindergarten teacher, Karin Tramm documented her experiences teaching military children in a DOD school in Northern Italy during the initial months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Her book, 100 Days Smart, takes us on the journey with her via diary-style entries that cover the 100 days after her school reverted to online learning only. Written with humor and insight, the book is relatable to all of us who experienced the pandemic in a multitude of different ways.

Those who are not teachers will see how difficult the transition was not only for the teachers, but for the children and parents as well. Using narration, emails, chats, and texts, Tramm shares the early moments of desperation, the anxiety of the unknown, the desire to stay connected with family and friends, the helplessness of not being able to be “there” for others, the joy of small victories, the learning curve of technology to make things work, the isolation of quarantine, and the peace that comes from accepting life and adapting to what it gives us.

Much of the humor comes from the kindergarten chats, a rare treat to readers who do not teach kindergarten. The wonder, excitement, and absurdity of the situations as seen through youthful eyes allows the reader to appreciate the young students whose world was turned upside down in a single day. 100 Days Smart is an endearing and heartwarming read.

Review by Betsy Beard (June 2023)

 

Author's Synopsis

100 Days Smart chronicles the first hundred days of the COVID-19 outbreak on the American Army base in Vicenza, Italy, only miles away from the epicenter of the European crisis. Beginning on the 100th day of school, the last day before pandemic lockdown, this narrative journals the very different lesson plan that coronavirus had in store for Vicenza Elementary School in 2020. The experiences of DoDEA teachers, military connected students and their parents living through the startling onset unfolds through personal accounts and communications with colleagues, family, and friends. One hundred days later, when Italy began to ease out of the most draconian lockdown in all of Europe, emerged a glimpse into the old yet new world.

This story reflects the resilience, strength, and flexibility of our military connected families. Written with a nod to classic children’s literature, 100 Days Smart explores the fears and frustrations, the hopes, heroes, and lessons learned, beginning that fateful day in February 2020.

Format(s) for review: Paper and Kindle

Review Genre: Nonfiction—Memoir/Biography

Number of Pages: 256

Word Count: 85,000

Navy Dog - A Dog's Days in the US Navy by Neal Kusumoto

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MWSA Review

In Navy Dog, author Neal Kusumoto takes readers on an unforgettable journey aboard the guided-missile frigate USS Vandegrift. Kusumoto, a retired Navy captain and former skipper of the Vandegrift, weaves a heartwarming tale that effortlessly combines his love for his ship and crew with the endearing story of the Vandy’s four-legged shipmate and mascot, a Navy Dog named Jenna.

Kusumoto’s admiration and respect for the Navy and his fellow sailors shine through from the opening pages to the conclusion. His vivid descriptions of life at sea bring the reader right into the heart of the action, creating an immersive experience that is both enlightening and entertaining. Through Kusumoto’s keen storytelling, we gain unique insights into the day-to-day realities of Navy life. We learn about some of the Navy’s terminology and history, sail with his crew while crisscrossing the Pacific Ocean, and visit exotic—and often dangerous—ports of call.

By the time you reach its conclusion, the book will have fostered a better appreciation for the sacrifices and camaraderie shared by those who serve at sea—no matter how many legs they have. It’s also very likely that Kusumoto’s shipmate, Jenna, will have wound her way into the reader’s heart as she managed to do with her fellow sailors and Marines.

I highly recommend this heart-warming book to anyone who wants to learn about the Navy and how it eventually learned to live with its first mammal mascot in decades.

Review by John Cathcart (June 2023)

 

Author's Synopsis

Having Seaman Jenna as the mascot on the USS Vandegrift was never meant to be a statement or to put the ship on the radars of four-star admirals. Jenna came onboard unannounced, a Christmas gift that brought instant joy to the crew and transformed a grey ship into a home for 225 sailors. Her addition was not approved by the chain of command, and she was the first dog on a Navy ship since WWII. This orphaned Shiba Inu and the displaced crew shared countless adventures and trials during her five years onboard. Jenna dodged being eaten in Korea, sidestepped Hawaii's strict quarantine law, avoided being shot in Australia, charmed a Chinese admiral, and nearly initiated an international incident in Pakistan. Jenna became a symbol of the ship and created a bond amongst the crew that remains strong decades later...long after her death.

Format(s) for review: Paper and Kindle

Review Genre: Nonfiction—Memoir/Biography

Number of Pages: 336

Word Count: 63,412