Faithful Service, Silent Hearts

by Lynette Mae

Lieutenant Devon James joined the army, hoping to shed her abusive upbringing and create a meaningful life, even if she doesn't know what that would look like. Devon excels as a soldier and leader, and she's certain her career path will lead to a bright future - until she falls in love with a woman. Suddenly the truth of her heart puts Devon's entire career at risk. Faithful Service, Silent Hearts follows Devon's journey from boot camp to the war-torn Middle East during the early days of anti-American terrorist actions. In the midst of unfathomable dangers and loss, can she balance professional duty with personal inegrity-is love even possible? Devon struggles to survive the hellish nightmare only to discover the battle for her own honor and faithful service has just begun.

Genres: Lesbian, Military Fiction

276 pages, Paperback

First published June 27, 2011

About the author

Lynette Mae left a small town in Pennsylvania to serve in the US Army. After her honorable discharge, she found herself in Florida, diving into a law enforcement career. Although completely challenging and satisfying, being a cop only fueled Lynette’s true passion: Writing. Her life’s rich experiences provide endless inspiration for action-packed stories with plenty of romance. When she’s not serving her community or writing, you can find LM running, weight training, or any number of physical pursuits. For quieter time, she’ll be curled up with a book, or just enjoying the day with her wife and their dogs. What’s next from the mind of Lynette Mae? Stand by…

Reviews

[D. Leigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! I really liked this book. I liked it so much that it made me angry that we spent so many years tossing good soldiers out of the military because of a bunch of homophobic assholes. That said, about a quarter into this book, I was thinking that this plot needed to tighten, but I kept reading and realized that although there is a tiny sag in the pacing early on, the set-up is necessary for it to fall together later. This is one of the better books I've read that involved military service. Money for this ebook is well-spent.

[T.T. Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! The writing was wonderful, the characters keenly drawn and the story line kept me turning pages well past bedtime. I appreciated the care with which this author treated the pent-up emotions, well-reasoned fears and fierce loyalty of gay members of the military before DADT was reversed. The requirements of living under wraps in the military informed the entire emotional and romantic realities for our gay and lesbian military members.

The freedoms most of us now enjoy in terms of public disclosure were not remedies available while DADT was the policy. I liked this book and the characters because their passions for country and love were no less dramatic merely because they were undisclosed. Lynette Mae captures this dichotomy brilliantly, revealing the deepening layers of her characters' personalities and emotional lives as they confront the needlessly criminal assaults levied upon gays and lesbians who were willing to die for one another and their country.

This is a very talented author. Well done!

[Cheri · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked this book. I don't think it's for everyone but, for me, the military experiences, particularly boot camp and CID investigations, really rang true. The bombings in Beirut were a few years before I joined the Marines and also before I became of the world outside of my city and I found that part of the story very interesting.

While I LOVED that this was not a typical romance, I think folks who are looking for "happily ever after" may be upset or, at the very least, unhappy with the way the book unfolds in regard to the romance aspects.

There were a few typos in this edition and couple of things toward the end of the book that I groaned over because I thought they went too far (I've typed this sentence out at least 5 times and can't use the best words because it could lead to spoilerism) but, in the grand scheme of things, I thoroughly enjoyed FSSH and will be reading the sequel, Tactical Pursuit, as soon as my schedule allows.

I also want to disclose that the author is a friend of mine.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a veteran long before don't ask don't tell I lived through the hunting down. This book brought back very real memories for me. It did happen ladies, not just in isolated instances. it was going on at every military post and base. I joined they Army with every intention of staying untill retirement and left after one enlistment because I had the need not to hide who I am. I have great respect for my friends who chose to stay in the closet and continue their time in the military and retire. This time was a important part of our history and Lynette Mae did a good job of telling the story

[Dawn Bellville · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was not only touching in so many ways, but sad as well. Without being a spoiler, let me say this...treating our military personnel with anything but the respect they deserve, no matter what their sexual preference, is abhorrent. Who they love does not change their willingness to die for their country and the safety of our nation. I cannot help but feel shame for the Administration's past actions against our soldiers. I highly recommend you read this and be prepared to be outraged. Thank you Lynette, for telling a story that needed to be told.

[Laurie Salzler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Riveting story...nice job, Lynette!

[Kate Ennis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of those books that I could not put down. A fabulous book and I can't wait for the sequel!

[Stoppie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whoa. Faithful Service, Silent Hearts! Gut wrenching, emotionally draining best roller coaster of a read in a long time. Knowing the time frame of Beirut 1983, reading along knowing full well what's coming was deeply moving and effective writing. Fully aware, as a veteran, of the pre-DADT McCarthy era like hunt for gay and lesbian service personnel, I found the anger and anxiety roiling still under the surface. The anxiety of feelings I thought I had conquered when I left the service were so palpable that I had to take breaks just for the unexpected emotions. So there you have it. I cried, laughed, stormed and pontificated all in a day's reading. Interestingly enough, the lesfic romance was integral but definitely did not over ride the mission of this story. Very few military tales feature butt kicking women and fewer still address the less than admirable way the military treated lesbian and gay personnel.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this out of order from Tactical Pursuit and have to admit that I was a little hesitant to go back and read Devon's past after loving her new life presented in Tactical Pursuit. I should have known that Lynette Mae would have an amazing story to tell. Mae is able to bring such life to her characters while submerging them in stories that keep the pages turning. In Faithful Service Silent Hearts, Devon James grows through the innocent idealism of serving her country as a Junior Officer in the US Army to a strong independent woman who makes a stand for herself and all those persecuted before her. The supporting characters inspired love, pride, sadness, hatred, and outrage. Mae has an incredible gift of adventure stories with wonderful characters that are not easy to forget. I would highly recommend this to all readers!

[Kate McLachlan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Faithful Service, Silent Hearts is a compelling and realistic look at life for lesbians in the military in the years before 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell.' Romance and war, heartbreak and devastation, heriosm and redemption, Faithful Service has it all."

The book takes us on a journey from boot camp to Beruit with naive young Devon James as she tries to navigate a career in the army in the years before "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." Devon's path is crossed by exploding bombs and bombshell women, but that path ultimately leads her to a truth she can't escape: to be faithful to her own heart.

[M.E. Logan · Rating 4 out of 5]

An intense read. Devon James is a young woman with a troubled past who joins the Army. FSSH follows her from boot camp to the Middle East where she serves as an intelligence officer. Service and hearts collide; honor and integrity are her mainstays. Well drawn characters portray friends and lovers. A good read. I look forward to her next book.

[Jen Silver · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an intense read. Gripping from start to finish. I could feel the despair of the main character caught between desire to serve her country and desire to love who she wants. The characters face difficult choices and the battle to stay true to oneself. I thought it was an excellent, and moving, portrayal of life in the military for lesbians in particular.

[Wimfest · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm am so glad I took the time to read this book by Lynette. This is the second time I have read it and it is as impelling the second time around as the first. Now to order her next book. I am looking forward to it!

[Lj Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding read! I felt like I was along for the ride right next to Devon. Great job Lynette, I look forward to your next book.

[jamuel12]

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soneaome q uoy ke it nohaepps

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMAZING MUST READ!!!!! If u love action, love, loss, twists & turns this book is for u. complete page turner. plus has a sequel which is just as good. highly recommend. 5* plus

[Dide · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really nice book....had to come across it again to make this review. I enjoyed the subtleties of the romance(if any) and the attempts to bring as much reality into the story