What do you think?
Rate this book
Into the Trenches
Annelyse Ortiz is a carefree young lady in her early twenties breezing through life. She's on track to achieve her goal of finishing college, she's content with her boyfriend, and she goes to church to keep her parents happy. Her carefully-constructed plans begin to shatter when she discovers that her boyfriend has been cheating on her. She does the most drastic thing she can think of: join the Army. Then one day during a deployment to Iraq, tragedy strikes. Annelyse, now a war veteran suffering from PTSD, struggles with severe bouts of depression and suicidal thoughts while she attempts to come to grips with the death of a loved one. How can the statement "God is good all the time" be true even during such dire circumstances? Join Annelyse in this journey of spiritual healing. Being a believer in Christ does not promise us a life without struggle or pain. In fact, Jesus himself says in John 16:33 that we will have tribulation in this world. He did not say we might, He said that we will. Nevertheless, our protagonist feels abandoned by God when a loved one dies during battle, and worst of all, she knows she's to blame for his demise. Her crippling despair is too much for her to bear and it leads her onto a road of self-destruction where thoughts of suicide seem like sweet surrender as opposed to facing another sleepless round of night terrors. Annelyse can't forgive herself and cannot fathom that God could forgive her for something so wretched. When she decides to pick up her cross and follow God, even in the valley of shadow and death, she discovers the hope and healing that can provide encouragement to all believers. Author Bio: Andrea Barringer is a veteran of the United States Army having served four years active duty at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC and four years in the Reserves. She is happily married to James Barringer and lives in Florida. She writes to share the hope and redemption that is found by having faith in the one true God and His Son, Jesus Christ. keywords: Religion, Christianity, God, Grace, Mercy, Loss, Healing, Military, Love, Redemption
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2012
13 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
About the author
Andrea Barringer
5 books21 followersI've had my head in the clouds since I was a little girl. Using my imagination and scribbling it down to form a story is one of my favorite things to do. I've been a Christian since I was about 15 years old and have gotten closer to my Lord with every passing year. I'm married to a wonderful man and we have a daughter named Abigail.
My current book, "Into the Trenches," is a story I started when I was in Basic Combat Training. Initially it was just my diary, but when I got stationed at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and met the many military servicemen and women that came back with multiple injuries and amputations I realized that I had to write about it. The things I was experiencing no longer could take form of a diary...a story had to be told.
The whole purpose of my writing is to share the good news and the hope that is only found in Jesus.
My current book, "Into the Trenches," is a story I started when I was in Basic Combat Training. Initially it was just my diary, but when I got stationed at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and met the many military servicemen and women that came back with multiple injuries and amputations I realized that I had to write about it. The things I was experiencing no longer could take form of a diary...a story had to be told.
The whole purpose of my writing is to share the good news and the hope that is only found in Jesus.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
June 23, 2014
Romance, Remorse, and Redemption in BDUs
As a proud father of a Soldier who was deployed to Camp Anaconda in Iraq and then Bagram Air force Base in Afghanistan, I wanted to read this book. Initially I wanted to glean more insight into daily life downrange and missions outside the wire, which Ms. Barringer provided. But something else captivated my heart more than the heat and tedium and fear and horror of deployment. It was the stories of the Soldiers returning home that touched me the most. This should be a joyous time, being reunited with family and friends. For many it’s not. I felt Annelyse’s terrible pain at losing her fiancé, her descent into hopelessness and despair. Nothing is more important to a Soldier than to have your buddy’s back, and to know someone has your back as well. Always. Sometimes that just isn’t enough.
I don’t want to paint too dark of a picture, though. This ultimately is a story about redemption and God’s promise never to leave us. It’s a story brimming with love, family, and faith. I loved reading about Annelyse’s family and her Mexican heritage. Family is what it’s all about, and there’s no greater gift than to pass along your heritage and traditions to succeeding generations.
Into the Trenches reminded me just how precious our men and women in uniform are. Once our vets have come home and all the fanfare is over, reach out to them, love them, and support them. It’s now OUR turn to serve them.
As a proud father of a Soldier who was deployed to Camp Anaconda in Iraq and then Bagram Air force Base in Afghanistan, I wanted to read this book. Initially I wanted to glean more insight into daily life downrange and missions outside the wire, which Ms. Barringer provided. But something else captivated my heart more than the heat and tedium and fear and horror of deployment. It was the stories of the Soldiers returning home that touched me the most. This should be a joyous time, being reunited with family and friends. For many it’s not. I felt Annelyse’s terrible pain at losing her fiancé, her descent into hopelessness and despair. Nothing is more important to a Soldier than to have your buddy’s back, and to know someone has your back as well. Always. Sometimes that just isn’t enough.
I don’t want to paint too dark of a picture, though. This ultimately is a story about redemption and God’s promise never to leave us. It’s a story brimming with love, family, and faith. I loved reading about Annelyse’s family and her Mexican heritage. Family is what it’s all about, and there’s no greater gift than to pass along your heritage and traditions to succeeding generations.
Into the Trenches reminded me just how precious our men and women in uniform are. Once our vets have come home and all the fanfare is over, reach out to them, love them, and support them. It’s now OUR turn to serve them.
August 10, 2014
Andrea Barringer brings the struggles of a woman, a soldier, a daughter, a sister, and a follower of Christ all together in a very well written story of growth and maturity, struggle, and rebirth. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a genuine tale that clearly mixes a number of different real experiences retold in an upifting manner.
Into the Trenches tackles issues such as purity and faith in the face of danger and temptation in an age when such issues are taboo, and Andrea does it very well. This is the type of story I would want my teenage and young adult children to read, as well as any one who has ever had to struggle with their faith due to a number of circumstances. I would love to see this book picked up by a solid Christian publishing company and marketed the way it should be. Thank you Andrea for your story and I would encourage to continue your craft.
Into the Trenches tackles issues such as purity and faith in the face of danger and temptation in an age when such issues are taboo, and Andrea does it very well. This is the type of story I would want my teenage and young adult children to read, as well as any one who has ever had to struggle with their faith due to a number of circumstances. I would love to see this book picked up by a solid Christian publishing company and marketed the way it should be. Thank you Andrea for your story and I would encourage to continue your craft.
May 15, 2014
Into the Trenches
by Andrea Barringer
Into the Trenches is a fiction story about Annelyse, a young woman from a family strong in faith. We pick up the story as her older sister is marrying and then soon after joining the military. Annelyse is a bit of a rebel in relation to her family's values. Dating a guy who is an atheist, going to church but not really believing and doing nothing to move forward in her life. Challenges come for her as real life begans to knock on her door. Things are not always as they seem but she has a great family and a great church who are there for her when she needs them.
I found the first portion of the book to reflect what one might anticipate in a first time writer. It read a bit like a narrative and transition was rocky. The material itself seemed at times forced. However once we move past those first chapters, it read much smoother. I suspect some of that was our author's experience and passion for the subject matter as we moved to more active military life. Regardless why, Barringer came out strong as she gave us such a beautiful, at times heartbreaking, look at Annelyse's journey into a life of knowing Christ personally, of knowing love and of being a soldier.
She also did an excellent work in developing her characters. She brought them to life in such a way you wanted to get to know them. I appreciated her allowing flaws in her characters and not portraying an unrealistic look at a Believer's response to difficult circumstances. I particularly gained insight into the fear, the bravery, the loyalty and the realness of the young men and women who serve to protect my freedom. I do not think I will look at those who serve us the same again after reading this.
This book would be excellent for young adults.
by Andrea Barringer
Into the Trenches is a fiction story about Annelyse, a young woman from a family strong in faith. We pick up the story as her older sister is marrying and then soon after joining the military. Annelyse is a bit of a rebel in relation to her family's values. Dating a guy who is an atheist, going to church but not really believing and doing nothing to move forward in her life. Challenges come for her as real life begans to knock on her door. Things are not always as they seem but she has a great family and a great church who are there for her when she needs them.
I found the first portion of the book to reflect what one might anticipate in a first time writer. It read a bit like a narrative and transition was rocky. The material itself seemed at times forced. However once we move past those first chapters, it read much smoother. I suspect some of that was our author's experience and passion for the subject matter as we moved to more active military life. Regardless why, Barringer came out strong as she gave us such a beautiful, at times heartbreaking, look at Annelyse's journey into a life of knowing Christ personally, of knowing love and of being a soldier.
She also did an excellent work in developing her characters. She brought them to life in such a way you wanted to get to know them. I appreciated her allowing flaws in her characters and not portraying an unrealistic look at a Believer's response to difficult circumstances. I particularly gained insight into the fear, the bravery, the loyalty and the realness of the young men and women who serve to protect my freedom. I do not think I will look at those who serve us the same again after reading this.
This book would be excellent for young adults.
July 9, 2016
Into the Trenches is a very moving novel. I could tell that the author has some background in the military. I enjoyed reading how some things had changed since I was in the Army. It also gave me some insight not only into current issues but also issues that most military who spent time in a war zone have dealt with. It also shows the issues of Christians in the military. On top of that there are other issues that you don't have to see war duty to experience. This book had be laughing, crying, talking to the characters and looking within myself and sympathizing with people who I never understood before.
May 14, 2014
Extremely relevant for today, this book takes you through so many things. There is going into the service, there is the "plastic Christian" and REALLY committing to Christ, there is the war in the middle east, there is PTSD, there is losing someone you love, If that wasn't enough you get dealing with grief, depression, moving on after loving someone. This book flowed wonderfully, was easy to read and held your attention. It was very easy to relate to the characters. I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
February 3, 2015
I really enjoyed this book and the story could be taken from today's headlines. I was drawn into the lives of the characters from the first pages. The author's military background is very evident in her writing and she does a wonderful job of making the reader fill that they are in the middle of all the action. It is also a beautiful story of God's love and how He can heal and restore and it is a powerful reminder of what our servicemen and women have sacrificed on our behalf. I will definitely be looking forward to reading more from this author.
May 31, 2014
Into The Trenches could come out of today's headlines still. It is an eye opener even with the book being based on fictitious characters, the details and the different events are real. There is definitely no sugarcoating how war affects soldiers in this book or how God is needed to help make it through what they go through.
This book is amazing and gives a view at soldiers most books try to hide.
I was given a free copy for an honest review.
This book is amazing and gives a view at soldiers most books try to hide.
I was given a free copy for an honest review.
January 28, 2013
Loved every page of this book. I might be a little biased since I know the author. But, Andrea is a very talented writer that pulls on the heart strings. Would definitely refer her book to anyone looking for healing and faith. Can't wait until she writes some more wonderful books!
January 18, 2015
Christian military mystery. TTS-enabled eBook ©2012. Recommended.
February 4, 2021
Love, loss, and Faith: ultimately heartwarming.
I really enjoyed this story, and how it showed the role of faith in peoples lives. I found it uplifting. This is a realistic presentation of army life in wartime, with devasting loss and the haunting trauma of bloody conflict, cleverly balanced with a sweet portrayal of romance and true love. All the characters were well-developed and relatable (I really liked the romantically hopeful, true friend, Gabriel); the story was solid, well-paced, and well-written. Highly recommended for fans of Christian romance who like a story with substance.
I really enjoyed this story, and how it showed the role of faith in peoples lives. I found it uplifting. This is a realistic presentation of army life in wartime, with devasting loss and the haunting trauma of bloody conflict, cleverly balanced with a sweet portrayal of romance and true love. All the characters were well-developed and relatable (I really liked the romantically hopeful, true friend, Gabriel); the story was solid, well-paced, and well-written. Highly recommended for fans of Christian romance who like a story with substance.
February 24, 2021
Love and War
This is a romance story in which he’s a combat medic, and she’s a headstrong soldier. Can their romance survive a tour of duty in the middle of war-torn Iraq? Will their faith be strong enough when combat wounds are more than skin deep? This is an interesting story showing how a military unit function like a family group. Like any families, there are challenges and difficulties along the way that will test the characters. The characters are believable, well drawn, and their military world seems very authentic.
This is a romance story in which he’s a combat medic, and she’s a headstrong soldier. Can their romance survive a tour of duty in the middle of war-torn Iraq? Will their faith be strong enough when combat wounds are more than skin deep? This is an interesting story showing how a military unit function like a family group. Like any families, there are challenges and difficulties along the way that will test the characters. The characters are believable, well drawn, and their military world seems very authentic.
January 20, 2023
incredible Read!
This book was so amazing, the love and happiness, the fear, the heartache... I felt it all!
There were parts that had me in complete tears. Just hearing a small part of what our soldiers endure and how it impacts them... it just breaks my heart. The book was also a reminder of God's unconditional love, and that even when we can't see it, He is walking with us and has a plan for us.
Do yourself a favor and read this book!
This book was so amazing, the love and happiness, the fear, the heartache... I felt it all!
There were parts that had me in complete tears. Just hearing a small part of what our soldiers endure and how it impacts them... it just breaks my heart. The book was also a reminder of God's unconditional love, and that even when we can't see it, He is walking with us and has a plan for us.
Do yourself a favor and read this book!
December 7, 2020
A Christian Romance that raises questions many grapple with in their faith journey. The military setting adds to the drama and tension.
January 28, 2021
This is a book based on faith and I'd recommend to anyone looking for a Christian read. God plays an important roll in the story. The military details made for an interesting read.
August 30, 2015
This is a good book of war and faith. Though it is a novel, the author says it is based on actual events. We are taken into Army book camp, training, and ultimately a deployment to Iraq. Through the main character, we experience the tension and anguish of duty there. This book is written from a strong Christian viewpoint and shows the importance of faith. It deals with other issues too, such as remaining pure in dating. The gospel is clearly presented.
You can see my complete review at http://bit.ly/1JE0UKi.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the author for the purpose of an independent and honest review.
You can see my complete review at http://bit.ly/1JE0UKi.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the author for the purpose of an independent and honest review.
March 30, 2024
great book for anyone going through struggles
If you’re broken or struggling, this is an excellent book!!! It is very Christian. It’s nice to be reminded how in the worst of our struggles, when we hear the inner voice that screams we can’t or we’re not good enough or even that we don’t deserve to live, God is there. It’s also a good reminder of what our armed force’s personnel have gone through and go through and how grateful we should be for their service and willingness to lay their lives on the line.
If you’re broken or struggling, this is an excellent book!!! It is very Christian. It’s nice to be reminded how in the worst of our struggles, when we hear the inner voice that screams we can’t or we’re not good enough or even that we don’t deserve to live, God is there. It’s also a good reminder of what our armed force’s personnel have gone through and go through and how grateful we should be for their service and willingness to lay their lives on the line.
January 3, 2018
awesome book 5 stars all the way and very well written
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews