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Love is a Wounded Soldier
Despite growing up with an abusive, alcoholic father, and having to cope with the untimely death of his mother, Robert Mattox has retained his innocence and idealism. He woos and marries his first love, Ellen, and it appears his life is set for a happily-ever-after ending.
But World War II is raging, and its vortex snatches him away from his young bride. He finds himself fighting in Europe, witnessing and participating in the unspeakable ugliness and brutality of war. His love for Ellen holds him back from utter despondency, and his will to fight and live draws strength from his desire to return home to her.
When he finally does return home to Kentucky, he’s exhausted, jaded, and scarred—inside and out. His worst fear is how Ellen will respond to the changes in him, but when he gets home he finds that Ellen is different, too—much different.
Can things between them ever be the same again? Or will their love be the war’s most tragic casualty?
But World War II is raging, and its vortex snatches him away from his young bride. He finds himself fighting in Europe, witnessing and participating in the unspeakable ugliness and brutality of war. His love for Ellen holds him back from utter despondency, and his will to fight and live draws strength from his desire to return home to her.
When he finally does return home to Kentucky, he’s exhausted, jaded, and scarred—inside and out. His worst fear is how Ellen will respond to the changes in him, but when he gets home he finds that Ellen is different, too—much different.
Can things between them ever be the same again? Or will their love be the war’s most tragic casualty?
287 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 13, 2012
47 people are currently reading
864 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
June 2, 2015
When I was asked to read this book and give my review, I went in knowing nothing about the author or his story. I certainly wasn't prepared for what I was about to experience because this book truly had it all; romance, tragedy, war, death, violence...even hope. The prologue started out through letters from a grandfather to his grandson. It immediately grabbed me, but once the story unfolded the writing alone absolutely blew my socks off.
Pre-WWII, Robert Maddox is a young man with a tough family life. He lives on a farm with his mother and father, although is continuously thrust into unfortunate situations due to his alcoholic father's failure to stick around more than a day or two. Robert, "Robbie" is forced to become an adult entirely too early, but he realizes his mother's need for a man around the house shouldn't have anything to do with his physical age. He's now the man; he can drive; he can work the farm and he will take care of his mother - especially since he can't depend on his good-for-nothing, perpetually drunk, father.
I can't say any more but trust me...Reimer tells his story so organically, I was in awe of how he was able to describe every emotion and every scene so effortlessly. Not sure where the's been hiding, but I'd be happy to read anything or any genre this new author publishes in the future.
Pre-WWII, Robert Maddox is a young man with a tough family life. He lives on a farm with his mother and father, although is continuously thrust into unfortunate situations due to his alcoholic father's failure to stick around more than a day or two. Robert, "Robbie" is forced to become an adult entirely too early, but he realizes his mother's need for a man around the house shouldn't have anything to do with his physical age. He's now the man; he can drive; he can work the farm and he will take care of his mother - especially since he can't depend on his good-for-nothing, perpetually drunk, father.
I can't say any more but trust me...Reimer tells his story so organically, I was in awe of how he was able to describe every emotion and every scene so effortlessly. Not sure where the's been hiding, but I'd be happy to read anything or any genre this new author publishes in the future.
January 6, 2013
Love is a Wounded Soldier is the phenomenally crafted journey of a man from a simpler time who experiences disappointment, love, war, loss, redemption, and ultimately courage to move forward with his life. Blaine Reimer is truly a gifted writer who carefully weaves his beautiful words into a story that will capture your heart and move you to tears. From the stunning cover art to the vivid images of love and tragedy Blaine transcribed, this is a work of pure brilliance that you simply must read!
May 2, 2012
I can't say for sure what drew me to this book. I liked the cover and the short description, and the all 5-star reviews certainly didn't hurt. For some reason, I was compelled to read this right away (I still have several inexpensive and free downloads in my yet to be read collection).
The technical writing is excellent, and it was very easy to get into the flow of the story. The surprising part was that Robert, the narrator and lead character, just seemed so very real. I wasn't a quarter of the way through when I paused to check that this was indeed a work of fiction. Everything just seems so real, and I could easily have been convinced that this was a work of non-fiction.
I will warn that this book is not for the faint of heart. The war descriptions tend toward the graphic, but then if they didn't, would the realism, the characters' states of mind have conveyed the truth of the atrocities of war? There is also a fair bit of swearing, but that came as no surprise to me. If you can handle the language and the imagery, this book is a must read!
The latter portion of the story was completely unexpected, but I devoured it at every opportunity. In the end, I thought this book perfect, I would not change a thing, and I will recommend it to all of my friends (and obviously to all of you now too).
My one and only suggestion, dear author, is please publish or get this amazing book published in a tangible paper book. There are still so many people who do not have Kindles or devices with the Kindle App, and while most of them to have computers, the concept of reading a book on the computer is totally foreign to them. If I could get this in print, I know one friend I would purchase the book for myself, and many others who I would then recommend this to.
The technical writing is excellent, and it was very easy to get into the flow of the story. The surprising part was that Robert, the narrator and lead character, just seemed so very real. I wasn't a quarter of the way through when I paused to check that this was indeed a work of fiction. Everything just seems so real, and I could easily have been convinced that this was a work of non-fiction.
I will warn that this book is not for the faint of heart. The war descriptions tend toward the graphic, but then if they didn't, would the realism, the characters' states of mind have conveyed the truth of the atrocities of war? There is also a fair bit of swearing, but that came as no surprise to me. If you can handle the language and the imagery, this book is a must read!
The latter portion of the story was completely unexpected, but I devoured it at every opportunity. In the end, I thought this book perfect, I would not change a thing, and I will recommend it to all of my friends (and obviously to all of you now too).
My one and only suggestion, dear author, is please publish or get this amazing book published in a tangible paper book. There are still so many people who do not have Kindles or devices with the Kindle App, and while most of them to have computers, the concept of reading a book on the computer is totally foreign to them. If I could get this in print, I know one friend I would purchase the book for myself, and many others who I would then recommend this to.
March 28, 2012
Robert's life has never been easy and at sixteen it just got a little harder. His father an abusive drunk is never around when he's needed. Robert finds his mother dead and must take charge of burying her. It's more than a sixteen year old boy should have to deal with. Then his life get better. He meets Ellen and falls in love. They are happy together and enjoying their new life when in 1940 he's drafted. World War II begins and he's right in the thick of it. Robert knows his life will be different but just how different he could never have guessed. Witnessing things only a soldier can know about for years. Doing the impossible. His goal is to get back home to Ellen and begin their life together. Sometimes the best laid plans fail.
A stirring account of a soldier's life before, during and after World War II, this book keeps it very real. The story pulls at the heart strings and guides you along side of Robert as he deals with everyday issues and some rather extraordinary ones too. I love that the beginning of the book is an apology of sorts to his grandson for not always answering his questions as he was growing up. Robert's hardship and determination makes him a very likable character. This is one book for the ages. I'm sure it will become a favorite in most households.
I didn't find any issues.
I gave this one 5 out of 5 books because of the awesome detailing and intricate love story.
A stirring account of a soldier's life before, during and after World War II, this book keeps it very real. The story pulls at the heart strings and guides you along side of Robert as he deals with everyday issues and some rather extraordinary ones too. I love that the beginning of the book is an apology of sorts to his grandson for not always answering his questions as he was growing up. Robert's hardship and determination makes him a very likable character. This is one book for the ages. I'm sure it will become a favorite in most households.
I didn't find any issues.
I gave this one 5 out of 5 books because of the awesome detailing and intricate love story.
June 29, 2012
This is about a wounded warrior from WWII. The descriptions of the war are very vivid and difficult to read because they are so horrifying! So is the extreme depression the wounded warrior went through when he came home. While these parts of the book are very realistic, other parts are extremely hokey! These kinds of inconsistencies are why I only gave it 3 stars.
May 1, 2012
This is by far, one of the best books I've read in a long time. Highly recommended!
July 11, 2012
"A woman is a terrifying thing. A woman is a velvet hammer that softy pounds your will from around your heart, leaving it bare, vulnerable, defenseless." ~Love is a Wounded Soldier.
The above quote is not the exception to the kind of literary art between the pages of Love is a Wounded Soldier- it's the rule. Page after page of this work pounded away at MY heart and left me vulnerable and defenseless. Blaine's work of historical fiction/romance struck such a deep chord that reverberated in me the entire time I was reading it, and for two days after. It was only when the chords silenced that I could compose myself enough to express the magnitude of intellectual art sat between its pages.
Robbie, our lovable pre-WW II boy, takes us on a visual and emotional journey through his childhood, falling in love, and leaving for WW II in the first 1/3 of the story. The 2nd 1/3 follows Robbie's time training for and on the front lines of WW II. That section was extremely difficult to get through, for me, only because the writing was so beautiful and so detailed at the same time. The visuals produced by his words hung over me and made me mourn with Robbie for all the loss he witnessed. I do wish that we saw some of Ellen's letters to Robbie during the war, rather than hear one passing line about them, but I wasn't left sitting on that thought for the whole novel. The final 1/3 of the book sent me through a vortex of complicated, depressing, intense, and awe-inspiring moments that I thought I'd never come up for air. We're shown that while war changes those who are in it, it changes those who are left behind as well. One of my favorite quotes from the third part, "...my problem was I let old wounds outlive the people that made 'em...." Love is a Wounded Soldier was beautiful and melancholy from beginning to end.
This book is truly one that couples could read together. I've never read any romance by a male, and this did not disappoint. Further, the war scenes were written delicately enough for those who don't read lots of war books, but intense enough to be appreciated by those who do.
Blaine's talent left my jaw hanging open and my voice mute. I wondered how I could ever write a review for a book that kissed me, punched me, stepped on me, loved me, and held me hand all at the same time? I hope I've done it justice.
The above quote is not the exception to the kind of literary art between the pages of Love is a Wounded Soldier- it's the rule. Page after page of this work pounded away at MY heart and left me vulnerable and defenseless. Blaine's work of historical fiction/romance struck such a deep chord that reverberated in me the entire time I was reading it, and for two days after. It was only when the chords silenced that I could compose myself enough to express the magnitude of intellectual art sat between its pages.
Robbie, our lovable pre-WW II boy, takes us on a visual and emotional journey through his childhood, falling in love, and leaving for WW II in the first 1/3 of the story. The 2nd 1/3 follows Robbie's time training for and on the front lines of WW II. That section was extremely difficult to get through, for me, only because the writing was so beautiful and so detailed at the same time. The visuals produced by his words hung over me and made me mourn with Robbie for all the loss he witnessed. I do wish that we saw some of Ellen's letters to Robbie during the war, rather than hear one passing line about them, but I wasn't left sitting on that thought for the whole novel. The final 1/3 of the book sent me through a vortex of complicated, depressing, intense, and awe-inspiring moments that I thought I'd never come up for air. We're shown that while war changes those who are in it, it changes those who are left behind as well. One of my favorite quotes from the third part, "...my problem was I let old wounds outlive the people that made 'em...." Love is a Wounded Soldier was beautiful and melancholy from beginning to end.
This book is truly one that couples could read together. I've never read any romance by a male, and this did not disappoint. Further, the war scenes were written delicately enough for those who don't read lots of war books, but intense enough to be appreciated by those who do.
Blaine's talent left my jaw hanging open and my voice mute. I wondered how I could ever write a review for a book that kissed me, punched me, stepped on me, loved me, and held me hand all at the same time? I hope I've done it justice.
April 26, 2012
From the very first page of Love is a Wounded Soldier by Blaine Reimer you know this book is something special. It's a book that deserves a review full of all those lofty literary words that trained critics, professors, and true literary aficionados use. Unfortunately for this review, and you, I write my reviews for the everyday reader who just wants to know in everyday terms how the story was.
It was great. Reimer is a true story teller. He has the gift. From the first page you can tell this isn't just a book, Reimer is illustrating the story so that you can see it's progression in your mind like a reel of film. The personalities jump off the page and into your mind. The scenes come to life. You ache for Robert as a little boy, you cringe for the young couple separated by war, and you hold onto hope for the happy.
Love is a Wounded Soldier deserves such words as eloquent, prose, poignant, triumphant, heart warming, gut wrenching, recognition deserved, sweet, time stealing, illustrative, should be a national best seller!
*Disclosure: I received this book for free in exchange for a review*
It was great. Reimer is a true story teller. He has the gift. From the first page you can tell this isn't just a book, Reimer is illustrating the story so that you can see it's progression in your mind like a reel of film. The personalities jump off the page and into your mind. The scenes come to life. You ache for Robert as a little boy, you cringe for the young couple separated by war, and you hold onto hope for the happy.
Love is a Wounded Soldier deserves such words as eloquent, prose, poignant, triumphant, heart warming, gut wrenching, recognition deserved, sweet, time stealing, illustrative, should be a national best seller!
*Disclosure: I received this book for free in exchange for a review*
November 13, 2012
I adored this book! I adore any book that get me emotionally charged and emotionally drained. I have to admit I cried a great deal towards the end of this book. It has a happy ending just not one that I was expecting until I was well into the climax!
Historically accurate and very well written, this book will keep you coming back for more. A treasure of a book the likes which I have not seen in a very long time. Told through a soldiers eyes it never lets you down, keeps you hoping that things will turn out and makes you cry with all the emotions, happiness, grief, love, sorrow, self pity, thoughtlessness and the grace that can only be given by someone not of this world.
If you want a truly great read to finish by the end of the year I would highly recommend this book. I could not believe the story line and how quickly it switched gears. Mr. Blaine I commend you on a book that is reminiscent of the great books written by Mr. Herman Wouk. With books like this I see you quickly becoming a New York Times bestselling author in no time!
Keep up the good work!
Historically accurate and very well written, this book will keep you coming back for more. A treasure of a book the likes which I have not seen in a very long time. Told through a soldiers eyes it never lets you down, keeps you hoping that things will turn out and makes you cry with all the emotions, happiness, grief, love, sorrow, self pity, thoughtlessness and the grace that can only be given by someone not of this world.
If you want a truly great read to finish by the end of the year I would highly recommend this book. I could not believe the story line and how quickly it switched gears. Mr. Blaine I commend you on a book that is reminiscent of the great books written by Mr. Herman Wouk. With books like this I see you quickly becoming a New York Times bestselling author in no time!
Keep up the good work!
April 21, 2012
This book had me from page one. I couldn't put it down, and finished it in a day. It grabbed me from the beginning and kept me engaged the whole way through. The challenges that Robert endures in his life, both internally and externally, are both heartbreaking and heartwarming, and reminds you to never give up hope.
This is a very well written book, and I highly recommend it. I laughed, I cried, I suffered and I rejoiced. I like that it has a Christian theme. It does have some rough language, but the story wouldn't be as real without the language.
I was turned into a reader at a very young age, and have many favorite books. This book is now at the top of my favorite list, and will be one I read over and over again.
This is a very well written book, and I highly recommend it. I laughed, I cried, I suffered and I rejoiced. I like that it has a Christian theme. It does have some rough language, but the story wouldn't be as real without the language.
I was turned into a reader at a very young age, and have many favorite books. This book is now at the top of my favorite list, and will be one I read over and over again.
September 26, 2012
It's been a long time since I've read a historical romance like this. Love is a Wounded Soldier reminded me greatly of All Quiet on the Western Front but with more of a romance bent to it.
My only criticism is that the author yielded a time or two to the temptation of using the story as a medium to use large words and phrases instead of letting the words and phrases tell the story.
Other than that, it's a beautifully written book about a character named Robert and his experience of undergoing several rapid transformations that were required of him in order to continue surviving.
The inconvenience of it all is that his love for someone must endure those transformations. The book isn't cliche'd. It's a fresh storyline that you'll be happy to experience.
My only criticism is that the author yielded a time or two to the temptation of using the story as a medium to use large words and phrases instead of letting the words and phrases tell the story.
Other than that, it's a beautifully written book about a character named Robert and his experience of undergoing several rapid transformations that were required of him in order to continue surviving.
The inconvenience of it all is that his love for someone must endure those transformations. The book isn't cliche'd. It's a fresh storyline that you'll be happy to experience.
April 25, 2012
I have read a great number of books on my Kindle since I received it as a Christmas gift, most of them absolutely great but Love Is a Wounded Soldier is the VERY best book I have read in years and I have read thousands. I learned from its pages about the horrors of war, the marvelous gift of friendship and the power of forgiveness. This young man has wisdom far beyond his years and he has a writing style that immediately pulls you into the story until it is no longer a story but a life experience. I am looking forward to reading other books by him with great anticipation.
June 3, 2012
I thought the writing in this book was marvelous. The ups and downs of the main character's emotions tugged at my heartstrings. This was one of those rare books that I had to tear myself away from when I had other things to do. I was slightly disappointed at the ending. I felt it lacked the beautiful and emotive writing of the rest of the book. Having said that, I would look forward to reading this author's next book.
March 24, 2015
The first 75% was really good...story, characters and writing. Would have rated it a 4 or 5 based on that part. The last 25% was a real let down, however. Almost like it was crafted and written by an entirely different person. In too much of a hurry to wrap up and move on to something else. This could have and should have been so much better. But alas it wasn't. And that left me disappointed and frustrated as a reader.
January 9, 2013
"In my Life, I have experienced many things. I've seen unbelievable beauty and felt unbearable pain. I've witnessed human beings exhibit both savagery that would shame a beast, and love and grace I'd thought only god could be capable of"
Love is a Wounded Soldier is a beautifully written story narrated through the eyes of a man who has experienced life, love, loss and redemption.
I loved every word written, and this story will stay with me for a very long time.
Love is a Wounded Soldier is a beautifully written story narrated through the eyes of a man who has experienced life, love, loss and redemption.
I loved every word written, and this story will stay with me for a very long time.
January 7, 2013
Go. buy. this. book. I can't say enough about it. I went from a farm in the South to the western front and back again, lulled by the seamless beauty of Blaine Reimer's words, the vividness of his characters, and my overarching NEED to see what happened next. I think I'll even read it again, ugly crying or not, just to spend more time in Robert Mattox's shoes. "How could love not grow in a soil so fertile?" Sigh.
March 27, 2012
I love this book. It was well written, good character development and a sadly happy ending. I recomend it to anyone interested in WW2 and the result on the lives those who fought it and those left behind. A bit too much language for me so beware! But that said the story very good and the author pulls it all together in the end.
June 18, 2012
What an amazing book. I have always been a fan of historical fiction. Especially if it's done well. This one was done AMAZINGLY well! Mr. Reimer made you feel as if you yourself were going through D-Day and other battles in WWII.
The book had me from the very beginning and I was unable to put it down.
The book had me from the very beginning and I was unable to put it down.
August 18, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. Took a few chapters to get into it. But the author describes war so brillantly. It at times made me cry. I felt like I was in the trenches with the guys. My heart broke when he returned and it showed the challenges couples faced when they were apart for so long.
I won this book on goodreads and I am so glad I did.
I won this book on goodreads and I am so glad I did.
April 24, 2012
This is a tremendous read. The characters were described brilliantly, the storyline was flawless, and his writing style was impeccable. This book precipitated a wide range of emotions which, in addition to the fascinating story, kept the book from getting stagnant. Very entertaining! *****
May 11, 2012
I am not very good with writing reviews, but I had to review this one because I thought this books was exceptional. I couldn't put it down. It follows Robert from his teens to adulthood, from the hills of Kentucky to WWII and back to Kentucky. The ending is touching and brought tears to my eyes.
January 28, 2016
I did enjoy parts of the book. Robbie is a likeable character and was developed well. But I found the rhythm of the story to be uneven, and I was disappointed by the ending. Everything tied up too quickly, neatly, and unrealistically. Life is just not that tidy!
May 1, 2012
Excellent book! So many raw emotions and hard real life events woven throughout this book. I couldn't lay it down and didn't want it to end!
Want to read
July 20, 2012Free Kindle read at amazon today!
October 9, 2012
Fantastic, wonderful, emotional book.
Review coming.
Review coming.
May 8, 2013
Lush, Plush
Lavish, Languid
Opulent, Ornate, Dense
Elaborate, Voluptuous
Ripe, Sensuous, Pleasure
Thank you
Lavish, Languid
Opulent, Ornate, Dense
Elaborate, Voluptuous
Ripe, Sensuous, Pleasure
Thank you
November 20, 2019
One of the best reads I’ve had the pleasure to read
I have never been good at writing reviews, but this is one of the most believable stories I have ever read. It’s almost as if the author had experienced it all.
I have never been good at writing reviews, but this is one of the most believable stories I have ever read. It’s almost as if the author had experienced it all.
May 29, 2022
Blaine Reimer doesn't get enough credit and recognition for his outstanding ability with the art of writing and how he puts words together to create a story that I couldn't put down.
February 27, 2017
Wonderful read
A great story of a mans journey through war, love, and loss, and his home front battle back to himself! Wonderful book
A great story of a mans journey through war, love, and loss, and his home front battle back to himself! Wonderful book
August 23, 2012
The book tells many stories one of love, one of war, one of hurt and betrayal, and one of forgiveness. Like life all of those emotions of anger, love and betrayal have been packed into one book to make the life story of Robert all the more enjoyable and relatable.
The author goes into great detail of war time and his description comes through vividly in the story. If that's not enough Blaine also adds in very wise advice.
Some reviewers have said "If he can forgive a rapist--why can't he forgive Ellen?"
Well, Ellen is his wife her betrayal hurts more just like if you found out your husband has cheated on you and impregnated a girl. It would hurt wouldn't it? Johnny the rapist was just a friend whatever Johnny did didn't affect Robert. I'm not the author but Robert was more forgiving of Johnny also because Johnny died. Dying overwhelms us with so much grieve that at times we only choose to remember the good things about a person and not the bad. Thus, Robert at the end comes around to forgiving Ellen only because she shared the same fate as Johnny.
For an indie book the book is very well written and I'm sure one day it'll gain a big name publisher. If it were my choice I would definitely make this book into a movie.
The author goes into great detail of war time and his description comes through vividly in the story. If that's not enough Blaine also adds in very wise advice.
Some reviewers have said "If he can forgive a rapist--why can't he forgive Ellen?"
Well, Ellen is his wife her betrayal hurts more just like if you found out your husband has cheated on you and impregnated a girl. It would hurt wouldn't it? Johnny the rapist was just a friend whatever Johnny did didn't affect Robert. I'm not the author but Robert was more forgiving of Johnny also because Johnny died. Dying overwhelms us with so much grieve that at times we only choose to remember the good things about a person and not the bad. Thus, Robert at the end comes around to forgiving Ellen only because she shared the same fate as Johnny.
For an indie book the book is very well written and I'm sure one day it'll gain a big name publisher. If it were my choice I would definitely make this book into a movie.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews