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Band Of Sisters #1
Band of Sisters
When the war on terror calls their husbands to duty, five LDS women are left behind to fight battles of their Kim, newlywed and pregnant, frightened of what the future might bring; Brenda, struggling to manage three unruly boys and a crippling bout of depression; Jessie, secretly grappling with mixed feelings about her emotionally abusive husband; Marianne, wrestling with a rebellious teenage daughter; And Nora, the seasoned Army wife with perfect hair, an immaculate home — and an ill-tempered mother dying of cancer. Knowing the separation of deployment is extremely difficult, Nora gathers the wives every week to share lunches and burdens. In good company, they worry over safety in the field and stability at home and offer one another counsel and comfort. But as their personal crises build, each woman faces the risks of forming deep bonds of trust. And when tragedy strikes, they must confront the painful realities of war that pull families apart and bring friends together as sisters.
274 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2010
11 people are currently reading
697 people want to read
About the author
Annette Lyon
81 books307 followersAnnette Lyon is a USA Today bestselling author, an 9-time recipient of Utah’s Best in State medal for fiction (three times for novel-length works and five times for short fiction), and a Whitney Award winner for BAND OF SISTERS. She's the author of over a dozen novels, at least that many novellas, a cookbook, a popular grammar guide, and over a hundred magazine articles.
She’s a founder and regular contributor of the Timeless Romance Anthologies line of sweet romance stories, which she served as editor for its first three years. She's also one of the four co-authors of The Newport Ladies Book Club series. She graduated cum laude from BYU with a degree in English.
Annette is represented by Jill Marsal of the Marsal Lyon Literary Agency.
Her first suspense novel, Just One More, releases 2023 through Scarlet Suspense.
She’s a founder and regular contributor of the Timeless Romance Anthologies line of sweet romance stories, which she served as editor for its first three years. She's also one of the four co-authors of The Newport Ladies Book Club series. She graduated cum laude from BYU with a degree in English.
Annette is represented by Jill Marsal of the Marsal Lyon Literary Agency.
Her first suspense novel, Just One More, releases 2023 through Scarlet Suspense.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews
March 23, 2010
I think what makes this book amazing (and 5 star worthy), is the eye-opening portrayal of five very different LDS women with husbands away on deployment. Each individual fear and insecurity is portrayed without reserve, yet is not overdone to the point where the reader cannot relate. In fact, it struck me, what these women go through. I suspected it would be difficult, but I have much more insight into what a couple of my friends are going through right now. The thing I loved most about the characters is their “realness.” I don’t connect with every woman I meet, but as opportunities come along to serve and know one another better, connections can be found. That happens in the story. Perhaps I didn’t understand a character’s reasoning or ideals, but as the relationships unfolded, I found connections, often surprisingly close connections, and then I was crying all over the place.
Thank you, Annette, for the enlightenment, and an engaging read.
Thank you, Annette, for the enlightenment, and an engaging read.
March 24, 2010
Annette Lyon sent me a pass-along copy of her newly released book Band of Sisters. I was excited to read it and gobbled it up in a day. I have to admit she made me cry more than once. But I am getting ahead of myself. Here is what the book is about:
(From the back of the book)
When the war on terror calls their husbands to duty, five LDS women are left behind to fight battles of their own: Kim, newlywed and pregnant, frightened of what the future might bring. Brenda, struggling to manage three unruly boys and a crippling bout of depression. Jessie, secretly grappling with mixed feelings about her emotionally abusive husband. Marianne, wrestling with a rebellious teen daughter. And Nora, the seasoned Army wife with perfect hair, an immaculate home--and an ill-tempered mother dying of cancer.
"Knowing that the separation of deployment is extremely difficult, Nora gathers the wives together every week to share lunch and burdens. In good company, they worry over safety in the field and stability at home and offer one another counsel and comfort. But as their personal crises build, each woman faces the risks of forming deep bonds of trust. And when tragedy strikes, they must confront the painful realities of war that pull families apart and bring friends together as sisters."
Band of Sisters reminded me of The Joy Luck Club in that it rotated the storyline between each of the five main characters. Lyon does this successfully--each "sister" gets enough time and each has a unique and interesting situation she works through. I particularly liked the wide age range of the "sisters" and felt I was able to connect with each of them on different levels. They were easy to relate to. I particularly liked Kim's character and challenge of being pregnant while her husband was gone. The only character I felt did not have enough resolve to her problem was Jesse; there was no direct communication between her and her husband at the end to at least partially overcome their marital issues. But maybe that's because the deployment is only halfway done and Lyon is planning a sequel??
After reading Band of Sisters I passed it on the my friend Julie (who has a rockin', keep it real kind of blog) who loves to read. I am missing having my own copy already--I tend to like to re-read a book several times to make sure I catch all of the details. Guess I will have to pick up a copy of my own now! Those of you who know Julie, be sure tell her you want to be next in line to read this great book.
Click here to read the first three chapters of Band of Sisters online. Or, you can purchase the book or book on CD here.
(From the back of the book)
When the war on terror calls their husbands to duty, five LDS women are left behind to fight battles of their own: Kim, newlywed and pregnant, frightened of what the future might bring. Brenda, struggling to manage three unruly boys and a crippling bout of depression. Jessie, secretly grappling with mixed feelings about her emotionally abusive husband. Marianne, wrestling with a rebellious teen daughter. And Nora, the seasoned Army wife with perfect hair, an immaculate home--and an ill-tempered mother dying of cancer.
"Knowing that the separation of deployment is extremely difficult, Nora gathers the wives together every week to share lunch and burdens. In good company, they worry over safety in the field and stability at home and offer one another counsel and comfort. But as their personal crises build, each woman faces the risks of forming deep bonds of trust. And when tragedy strikes, they must confront the painful realities of war that pull families apart and bring friends together as sisters."
Band of Sisters reminded me of The Joy Luck Club in that it rotated the storyline between each of the five main characters. Lyon does this successfully--each "sister" gets enough time and each has a unique and interesting situation she works through. I particularly liked the wide age range of the "sisters" and felt I was able to connect with each of them on different levels. They were easy to relate to. I particularly liked Kim's character and challenge of being pregnant while her husband was gone. The only character I felt did not have enough resolve to her problem was Jesse; there was no direct communication between her and her husband at the end to at least partially overcome their marital issues. But maybe that's because the deployment is only halfway done and Lyon is planning a sequel??
After reading Band of Sisters I passed it on the my friend Julie (who has a rockin', keep it real kind of blog) who loves to read. I am missing having my own copy already--I tend to like to re-read a book several times to make sure I catch all of the details. Guess I will have to pick up a copy of my own now! Those of you who know Julie, be sure tell her you want to be next in line to read this great book.
Click here to read the first three chapters of Band of Sisters online. Or, you can purchase the book or book on CD here.
June 29, 2010
Wow. This book is one of the best I've read this year. It's definitely my favorite by Annette Lyon.
Here's the book blurb.
When the war on terror calls their husbands to duty, five LDS women are left behind to fight battles of their own: Kim, newlywed and pregnant, frightened of what the future might bring. Brenda, struggling to manage three unruly boys and a crippling bout of depression. Jessie, secretly grappling with mixed feelings about her crumbling marriage. Marianne, wrestling with a rebellious teenage daughter. And Nora, the seasoned Army wife with perfect hair, an immaculate home—and an ill-tempered mother dying of cancer.
Knowing the separation of deployment is extremely difficult, Nora gathers the wives every week to share lunches and burdens. In good company, they worry over safety in the field and stability at home and offer one another counsel and comfort.
But as their personal crises build, each woman faces the risks of forming deep bonds of trust. And when tragedy strikes, they must confront the painful realities of war that pull families apart and bring friends together as sisters.
Lyon does a fantastic job creating five distinct and real women, and I was able to identify with each in some way. Her writing is compelling, and the way she sets up the chapters had me not wanting to stop, with each chapter focusing on a different woman. There were a couple times I felt like she head jumped, but it was never so big of a jump that I got confused or was bothered by it.
Read it expecting to laugh, to see yourself (even if your husband isn't in the Army), and with a box of tissues. Last night Nathan asked me both, "What's so funny?" and if something was wrong because I was crying so hard. He thought there might be something more than just a sad part in the book, but nope.
While I'm not positive, the book's dedication leads me to believe that there is some truth to the novel. Lyon dedicated it to five women and their husbands who served in the military, so while I know it's fiction, I can't help wondering if there's some truth to the story.
One really cool thing I learned on Lyon's website is she is willing to participate in your book club via telephone or in person if you choose to use the book. I thought that was pretty awesome.
Here's the book blurb.
When the war on terror calls their husbands to duty, five LDS women are left behind to fight battles of their own: Kim, newlywed and pregnant, frightened of what the future might bring. Brenda, struggling to manage three unruly boys and a crippling bout of depression. Jessie, secretly grappling with mixed feelings about her crumbling marriage. Marianne, wrestling with a rebellious teenage daughter. And Nora, the seasoned Army wife with perfect hair, an immaculate home—and an ill-tempered mother dying of cancer.
Knowing the separation of deployment is extremely difficult, Nora gathers the wives every week to share lunches and burdens. In good company, they worry over safety in the field and stability at home and offer one another counsel and comfort.
But as their personal crises build, each woman faces the risks of forming deep bonds of trust. And when tragedy strikes, they must confront the painful realities of war that pull families apart and bring friends together as sisters.
Lyon does a fantastic job creating five distinct and real women, and I was able to identify with each in some way. Her writing is compelling, and the way she sets up the chapters had me not wanting to stop, with each chapter focusing on a different woman. There were a couple times I felt like she head jumped, but it was never so big of a jump that I got confused or was bothered by it.
Read it expecting to laugh, to see yourself (even if your husband isn't in the Army), and with a box of tissues. Last night Nathan asked me both, "What's so funny?" and if something was wrong because I was crying so hard. He thought there might be something more than just a sad part in the book, but nope.
While I'm not positive, the book's dedication leads me to believe that there is some truth to the novel. Lyon dedicated it to five women and their husbands who served in the military, so while I know it's fiction, I can't help wondering if there's some truth to the story.
One really cool thing I learned on Lyon's website is she is willing to participate in your book club via telephone or in person if you choose to use the book. I thought that was pretty awesome.
April 14, 2010
Wow, this is a must read book, not just because everyone needs to feel a fraction of what army wives do on a daily basis when their men are deployed, but because it has many relevant important lessons that everyday woman can relate too.
When 5 women start meeting for weekly lunch dates when their husbands are deployed to Afghanistan, many are reluctant to come because they feel they are too young, too old or won't have anything in common, but after getting past that initial meeting they grow a bond of sisterhood because of shared experience with being a deployed soldiers wife. Kim, a young wife at 20 learns to draw on the other's experiences with her new trial of being pregnant and the uncertainties of that great role. Marianne,42 has 3 older children and a rebellious and then suicidal daughter that the other women rally around her to help give her the support she needs especially when her husband is killed. Nora, the self appointed "mom" of the group failed to take off her mask because she is so used to meeting everyone else's expectations for her life that she is afraid to be herself and be accepted and helped in return all the while caring for her terminally ill mother by herself. Her taking off her masks at the end and letting everyone know that she too has a hard time dealing with life's challenges gave Brenda, a 30 something mom the confidence that she wasn't a bad mom for not measuring up. They all dealt with challenges along the way, but were able to cope better by accepting help and admitting they couldn't do it alone. great book
When 5 women start meeting for weekly lunch dates when their husbands are deployed to Afghanistan, many are reluctant to come because they feel they are too young, too old or won't have anything in common, but after getting past that initial meeting they grow a bond of sisterhood because of shared experience with being a deployed soldiers wife. Kim, a young wife at 20 learns to draw on the other's experiences with her new trial of being pregnant and the uncertainties of that great role. Marianne,42 has 3 older children and a rebellious and then suicidal daughter that the other women rally around her to help give her the support she needs especially when her husband is killed. Nora, the self appointed "mom" of the group failed to take off her mask because she is so used to meeting everyone else's expectations for her life that she is afraid to be herself and be accepted and helped in return all the while caring for her terminally ill mother by herself. Her taking off her masks at the end and letting everyone know that she too has a hard time dealing with life's challenges gave Brenda, a 30 something mom the confidence that she wasn't a bad mom for not measuring up. They all dealt with challenges along the way, but were able to cope better by accepting help and admitting they couldn't do it alone. great book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 5, 2013
At first, I thought this book came across too much as a "goody-goody" Mormon tale, complete with everybody living in the "happy valley" of Utah County to the wives only drinking ice water with their lunches. (I think one time someone might have had a Sprite!) But as I read further into it, I realized that these women did not have picture perfect lives, marriages,or children. I think Annette Lyon did a good job of making these women real. Yes they were all temple worthy Mormon wives, trying to survive while their husbands were deployed to Afghanistan, but they each faced challenges and heartaches that could have completely defeated them. What they did have was each other, a friendship that was so strong that help was always there with whatever was needed. (I wonder how realistic that really is?) Still, I am only giving the book three stars because it was a very superficial look into their lives, and was written as "Mormon fiction," which usually deserves about 3 stars.
April 19, 2010
Annette Lyon did an amazing job giving each of the five women in Band of Sisters a distinct personality. The women vary in age. Some have children at home, while others don't. Some are happily married, and others, not so much. I was able to relate to each of them in a different way, but Jessie was my favorite. They seemed so real to me because they each had their own set of difficulties, with the common thread of husbands being away at war.
I love the way they uplifted and supported one another, and the strong friendships that were created. It showed that we have each been blessed with our own unique talents that can be used to improve the lives of others, even at times when we don't feel like we have much to give.
Band of Sisters is a moving story about the unique power of women, and the strength we can gain from relationships with one another. I highly recommend it.
I love the way they uplifted and supported one another, and the strong friendships that were created. It showed that we have each been blessed with our own unique talents that can be used to improve the lives of others, even at times when we don't feel like we have much to give.
Band of Sisters is a moving story about the unique power of women, and the strength we can gain from relationships with one another. I highly recommend it.
March 28, 2010
I had assumptions about this book (just based on the knowledge that it was about woman who's husbands were deployed) that it'd be lots of heartache. I was pleasantly surprised when this book was instead about women connecting and befriending each other. I love the idea that women from different walks of life and in different stages (their kids are different ages, their concerns and problems are at different levels, they view/value things differently) can really bond together and become such a life line for each other. I really appreciate this book showing how important we can be in the lives of others and also the amazing difference a friendship can make.
April 5, 2010
this book was suprisingly good. i must admit that i wasn't too excited to pick it up, but it really is a great book. one that i wouldn't have expected myself to enjoy.
it's about a group of five army wives. their husbands have been deployed and they are left to 'fend for themselves' in a way. each woman deals with their own trials and struggles, but they all learn (one way or another) that women are strong and able. they can be there for one another and help each other through difficult situations.
for someone who usually sticks to mysteries, i would recommend this book to just about anyone.
it's about a group of five army wives. their husbands have been deployed and they are left to 'fend for themselves' in a way. each woman deals with their own trials and struggles, but they all learn (one way or another) that women are strong and able. they can be there for one another and help each other through difficult situations.
for someone who usually sticks to mysteries, i would recommend this book to just about anyone.
April 14, 2010
Annette did a great job creating believable characters that really pull on the reader's heartstrings. Keeping the five women straight was a little confusing at first, but Annette gives a characters list at the beginning of the book to help alleviate this problem. As the characters evolve and become more interdependent, it becomes much easier to keep everyone straight.
The situations and emotions are incredibly realistic and timely. I found myself rooting for all five women to find their paths to happiness despite their very stressful circumstances. Definitely one worth the time and money to read.
The situations and emotions are incredibly realistic and timely. I found myself rooting for all five women to find their paths to happiness despite their very stressful circumstances. Definitely one worth the time and money to read.
June 11, 2010
Having been through a deployment with my army brother when he went to Kosovo and watching his wife go through the pregnancy and birth of her first child without him, I could completely understand the plight of these women. It's a beautiful tale of learning that first impressions aren't always right, and that trying to handle major stresses alone isn't always a good idea. It brings to mind the song As Sisters in Zion. We all have so much to offer one another and I love how Band of Sisters shows just how important those friendships are. Loved it loved it loved it . . . even if I did end up sobbing on the freeway while listening to the audio book.
July 29, 2012
I was surprised that I actually liked this book as much as I did. I went into it prepared to hate it. Very few books "get it" when it comes to dealing with deployments and with this being fiction and the author having no personal experience, I really thought it would be horrible. I found myself relating to the emotions, the trials and the experiences of this group of women. I also loved being able to relate to the gospel aspect.
Really a great book. I'd recommend it to others. It is a tear-jerker, be warned.
Really a great book. I'd recommend it to others. It is a tear-jerker, be warned.
February 23, 2010
I read this in the pre-publication stage and it's an excellent and timely novel about 5 women who are brought together when their husbands are all assigned to serve in Afghanistan in the same unit. They meet for lunch on a weekly basis, and it's fascinating to get to know all of their diverse characters and watch how their friendship forms into a true sisterhood.
Can't wait to read this in book version--release date March 1st!
Excellent for adults and YA alike.
Can't wait to read this in book version--release date March 1st!
Excellent for adults and YA alike.
April 27, 2010
The author pulled together a set of women with different challenges in various stages of motherhood--all with one common bond: their husbands serve together in a military unit in Afghanistan. And she did it very well. Some developments I could see coming...others were not so obvious. This is a must-read for any woman affected directly by the wars in either Iraq or Afghanistan.
May 14, 2010
This was an intriguing read because I could relate to many of the characters. I've been through a deployment. I didn't like the fact that the author did not write from personal experience. The character development was well done. By the end it became a big "feel good" book and everything was resolved which was hard for me to accept as valid based on the subject matter.
March 19, 2011
I greatly enjoyed this story about 5 women whose husbands were all deployed to Afghanistan together and the friendships they grew among themselves as they supported and helped each other. It was very much worth reading, and I would read it again. It shows the strength you gain for yourself as you reach out to others to help them with their trials and challenges.
March 3, 2013
I liked it a lot. I wasn't the normal feel-good everything is wonderful in the end book. There was a lot of reality and sadness. I would say that it give me a little understanding of what military wives with deployed husbands go through, but I'm sure it wasn't enough, and the wives would just tell me, "You don't get it."
April 22, 2010
I really enjoyed this book. We all have some of the same masks as Nora. There is so much that all women have in common with these ladies. I know I will never have to face a deployment, but I am so grateful for those that so willingly do. This is a book that I could read again one day.
April 5, 2010
This was a great book. I really opened my eyes to see what women go through, when their husbands are deployed. I know I can never completely understand, unless I have to go through it. It really was a great book.
July 17, 2010
I have finished Band of Sisters and it is wonderful!!! Not being in a Military family, this book has opened up my eyes to the difficulties these families face! From the way this book ends, I'm betting there will be more in a series, which I am anxiously awaiting!
March 15, 2010
A touching insider's view of wives dealing with deployment. I recommend everyone read it.
March 31, 2010
A touching book with characters we can relate to.
April 12, 2010
Liked this book. I appreciate our military families and their sacrifices for us. Brought a different perspective for me to think about. Wasn't one that I was dying to get back to each night.
January 30, 2020
Five soldiers are called to serve their country together in Afghanistan (2009-10). Back home in Utah, their wives meet for weekly lunches to establish friendships they can rely on through any trial.
And boy do they face trials! In addition to the loneliness and worry for their husbands' safety, one wife is newlywed, pregnant, and scared; another is an empty-nester, overly concerned with appearances, and dreads what will happen when her mother comes to live with her; three of the women are parenting on their own. Their children each have struggles, too, ranging from potty training regression to hospital visits.
Through it all, they come through for each other in ways no one else can, providing support and strength to endure the year until their husbands come home.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This is not a fairy tale or a light-hearted work of fiction. Although the characters are fictional, the trials they face are scarily true-to-life. I enjoyed the read and wanted to see each woman grow and find stability. However, I generally read to escape/ignore the stress of life, and "Band of Sisters" was not a stress-reliever. It almost felt like taking on someone else's stresses instead of a getaway to a fantasy world of ridiculous problems. (So don't read this book if you're already overwhelmed… unless you need a good cry session!)
Certain terminology and a few scenes refer to Utah (LDS) culture pretty plainly, but it's not preachy/religious. Anyone can read and enjoy the story, but may be slightly confused when things like "home/visiting teachers" and "priesthood blessings" come up.
My main complaint (although it's understandable): with five protagonists (plus their families), some characters were developed more than others. There was just a lot going on all the time!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
OVERALL: Clean language (no swearing of any kind). Surviving (if not thriving) through difficult times.
Very emotional: fear, depression, anxiety, self-blame.
Other mature themes: substance abuse/overdose, self-destructive behavior, social pressure, emotional abuse, labor and delivery, terminal illness, death.
And boy do they face trials! In addition to the loneliness and worry for their husbands' safety, one wife is newlywed, pregnant, and scared; another is an empty-nester, overly concerned with appearances, and dreads what will happen when her mother comes to live with her; three of the women are parenting on their own. Their children each have struggles, too, ranging from potty training regression to hospital visits.
Through it all, they come through for each other in ways no one else can, providing support and strength to endure the year until their husbands come home.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This is not a fairy tale or a light-hearted work of fiction. Although the characters are fictional, the trials they face are scarily true-to-life. I enjoyed the read and wanted to see each woman grow and find stability. However, I generally read to escape/ignore the stress of life, and "Band of Sisters" was not a stress-reliever. It almost felt like taking on someone else's stresses instead of a getaway to a fantasy world of ridiculous problems. (So don't read this book if you're already overwhelmed… unless you need a good cry session!)
Certain terminology and a few scenes refer to Utah (LDS) culture pretty plainly, but it's not preachy/religious. Anyone can read and enjoy the story, but may be slightly confused when things like "home/visiting teachers" and "priesthood blessings" come up.
My main complaint (although it's understandable): with five protagonists (plus their families), some characters were developed more than others. There was just a lot going on all the time!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
OVERALL: Clean language (no swearing of any kind). Surviving (if not thriving) through difficult times.
Very emotional: fear, depression, anxiety, self-blame.
Other mature themes: substance abuse/overdose, self-destructive behavior, social pressure, emotional abuse, labor and delivery, terminal illness, death.
June 30, 2017
This book reeled me in and kept me reading way too late. I was in a lot of pain from my surgery today and this book was the perfect distraction for me. I didn't expect to feel so much emotion and relate to the characters so well! It is almost midnight and I am BAWLING! The empathy of the characters for eachother (and that I felt for each of them as the reader) was incredible. I loved the themes of "masks" and how this band of sisters was able to grow individually and closer together and remove some of their own masks. The support systems throughout the book are incredible and show a truly wonderful example of sisterhood. The depth of the characters and their experiences was perfect! I felt like i was feeling their joys and sadnesses right along with them. The plot was solid and I really enjoyed this journey and look forward to more books from Annette Lyon.
Even though the perspective of the book switched between the 5 women, i never felt lost like I have in so many other books, especially with multiple characters narrating. I was able to keep track of who was telling what story and from what perspective quite easily and "getting inside" of each of the character's minds just added another layer of depth and dimension.
I feel like although religion was a theme, it didn't really seem preachy at all. Although this book dealt with some mature themes, they were handled well. I would rate this clean and PG.
Even though the perspective of the book switched between the 5 women, i never felt lost like I have in so many other books, especially with multiple characters narrating. I was able to keep track of who was telling what story and from what perspective quite easily and "getting inside" of each of the character's minds just added another layer of depth and dimension.
I feel like although religion was a theme, it didn't really seem preachy at all. Although this book dealt with some mature themes, they were handled well. I would rate this clean and PG.
June 23, 2022
This was a book that was difficult for me to put down. That hasn't happened for a long time. It is about a group of 5 ladies - their husbands have been deployed to Afghanistan - the Colonel of the group asked his wife to meet with these ladies and help them through the year of deployment - their ages ranged from about 19 to the Colonel's wife in her 50's. It was wonderful to learn about the camaraderie these women gained from this interaction and they became each other's world of influence, help and companionship. It really opened my eyes as to the real struggles that the wives left behind to hold the family together while their husbands are under such stressful, life threatening situations. It was a wonderful story that were taken from others experiences and although the "characters" were fictional their experiences weren't. Lessons were learned and shared. Really enjoyed this and have a new respect for those defending our freedoms that don't come freely.
July 30, 2018
I wanted to like this book more, but just couldn’t. I personally have not been a military wife, but have had many friends that are/have been. The author did a great job of showing struggles and challenges some families face during deployment and return. However, I was depressed during much of the reading only to have too much of a “happily ever after” ending. I really didn’t like much of the referenced LDS talk about making Tim see a bishop and being manipulated into going to counseling, not utilizing ward members because they “don’t understand”, nervous to ask for priesthood blessings, etc. These contradict what the Gospel of Jesus Christ is about—because of the poor referencing, the LDS perspective made me dislike the book more. With all said & done, this book was heart-wrenching and tender, but I really didn’t like it much.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 28, 2022
3.5 stars.
This is the story of 5 women who band together in friendship and support while their husbands are deployed. The book is told from an LDS perspective so there is a Christian undercurrent and religious values permeate the book.
I liked the friendship of the women and the way the author explored various challenges each woman had. She did a good job of not sugar coating the challenges or offering quick fixes or bandaids for them.
Many of the LDS fictional women’s literature I’ve read is very squeaky clean and feels sanitized and sometimes “cheesy”. This book does have some elements of that, but I loved that the author did NOT do a wrap up with a neat and tidy bow where everyone’s problems are magically resolved.
She left several issues open-ended for the reader to imagine how things may have turned out.
I liked this one.
This is the story of 5 women who band together in friendship and support while their husbands are deployed. The book is told from an LDS perspective so there is a Christian undercurrent and religious values permeate the book.
I liked the friendship of the women and the way the author explored various challenges each woman had. She did a good job of not sugar coating the challenges or offering quick fixes or bandaids for them.
Many of the LDS fictional women’s literature I’ve read is very squeaky clean and feels sanitized and sometimes “cheesy”. This book does have some elements of that, but I loved that the author did NOT do a wrap up with a neat and tidy bow where everyone’s problems are magically resolved.
She left several issues open-ended for the reader to imagine how things may have turned out.
I liked this one.
March 28, 2025
Moving Tale
Probably 3.5 stars. This book is definitely written for those familiar with things in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and I feel it appeals the most to women that worship in that way. I felt drawn to these women that banded together while their husbands were deployed to Afghanistan. I understood their beliefs and actions, but I have never felt the pain they suffered during deployment. I liked that the story rotated narrators throughout. It helped me to see the various perspectives and get to know each woman better. I guess I just didn’t love the way they didn’t exert their independence and shine in spite of the hardship of being without their husbands. I would have liked to have seen them flourish instead of flounder when alone - I did however love their bond and the way they showed up always for each other.
Probably 3.5 stars. This book is definitely written for those familiar with things in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and I feel it appeals the most to women that worship in that way. I felt drawn to these women that banded together while their husbands were deployed to Afghanistan. I understood their beliefs and actions, but I have never felt the pain they suffered during deployment. I liked that the story rotated narrators throughout. It helped me to see the various perspectives and get to know each woman better. I guess I just didn’t love the way they didn’t exert their independence and shine in spite of the hardship of being without their husbands. I would have liked to have seen them flourish instead of flounder when alone - I did however love their bond and the way they showed up always for each other.
January 8, 2018
Loved the message of not judging other women and the good that comes from supporting each other. I believe completely in what she was saying in the book. So I felt good after I read it. Points for that. But the characters felt flat, the story was predictable and the writing was just average. A lot of telling and not as much showing. Still, it was a great pick for book group this month. I am looking forward to talking about it.
January 28, 2018
I'm sure I would have given this four or five stars if I'd had a husband deployed. It gives a good insight into what wives and families experience during deployment. But I had a hard time getting into it, probably more due to the fact I listened on audio when running errands in the car, which made the story too fragmented for me. So my rating is totally unfair.
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