Review: "An Awesome Heartwarming Story"
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 09 2, 2013
This is the first novel I've read by Author Jessica Scott; but it will not be the last!  This story is very moving when one reads the emotions of families left behind by our nation's warriors in time of war.  In this story, Sergeant First Class Shane Garrison of Army Tactical Operations, has received his divorce papers ending five years of marriage.  Shane believes that he's never been a good son nor a good husband, but he is a devoted soldier who feels solely responsible for his troops.  It is 2007 and Garrison's platoon is being deployed to Iraq.  They have completed all their training and this night is the last spent at Fort Hood; they leave in the morning for Iraq.His commander is his best friend, Captain Trent Davila, having a long history together serving as enlisted prior to Trent's becoming a commissioned officer.  Another close friend is one Sergeant Carponti, specializing in infantry squad tactics, with a humorous attitude always demanding attention.  Trent's wife, Laura, invites Jen St. James to the evening party.  Jen has not been in a bar for two years, but Laura wants to support her husband by sending him off to war with good cheer for the fifth deployment in seven years.  Jen is not a confident woman since she had a mastectomy a year previously.  She has not had an implant, but only wears a silicone breast form, making her feel awkward around men.  But now, here is Shane bumping into her, spilling her beer down her blouse.  From that instant, they are drawn to each other, but the timing is all wrong with Shane leaving for Iraq. Shane has his own secret which is having his appendix removed without the military being aware of his surgery.  The procedure has not healed yet, and he sweats passing the morning fitness exam which he tries to avert.  But Jen is the nurse who is evaluating him, and he persuades her to sign his papers.  Will he return to where they can build a relationship together?  This story is very heart wrenching to read about the young wives left alone trying to cope while their husbands are fighting for survival during dangerous missions.  It's a humbling story to read for those who are distant from families that serve their country. The writing quality is superb, pace very vigorous, characters are strong and captivating.  It's certainly potent, engaging and very candid.  It's simply awesome, and everyone should read it ... men and women.