First published 2012
Jolene and Michael Zarkades struggle through twelve years of marriage while juggling careers, bills, and two daughters. Their relationship fractures under daily pressures until military deployment separates them completely. Jolene ships out to active combat duty, leaving defense attorney Michael to parent alone for the first time. The role of single father overwhelms him as he manages school runs and bedtime stories without backup. Jolene writes cheerful letters home that hide the brutal realities of her battlefield experience. She protects her family from the violence and danger she faces daily. Combat changes Jolene in ways she never anticipated. When disaster strikes, Michael confronts his worst nightmare and must wage his own fight to save what remains of their family. Hannah examines how war damages not just soldiers but the spouses and children left behind.
Genres: romance, military-fiction, contemporary, family-drama
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, found-family
Period: 21st-Century
390 pages · Hardcover · St. Martin's Press
Content warnings: war