The Roof Above

by Gail Dwyer

"Dwyer's experiences as a West Point graduate, Army spouse, and mother of two combat Veterans shines through in her authentic and empathetic portrayal of military life. Highly recommended." –Bob Mayer, NYT bestselling author, West Point graduate and former Green Beret

2003. The War on Terror rocks the world, but Kelly McGowan dreams only of the exciting adventures ahead with her fiancé Matt, a new Army lieutenant from West Point.

When Matt deploys to Iraq, reality hits. Kelly, coping with her loneliness, questions if their love will endure. Matt returns from war aloof and sullen, forcing Kelly to deal with her emotions - and a secret from his past that could destroy their future. She seeks solace at her aunt's beach house, only to be walloped by a catastrophic hurricane.

The Roof Above is the story of a young woman's journey through war, storms, and secrets to find her tribe and the love she deserves.

Genres: Military Fiction, Fiction

318 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 15, 2024

Reviews

[Elizabeth Schowalter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an absorbing story with insights into some of the personal and professional challenges of military life. Navigating frequent relocations and deployments, this book skillfully highlights friendships that remain steadfast despite continuously being put to the test. Following the characters as they try to balance duty, love, and personal ambitions, I am reminded of my own experiences as a young lieutenant learning to navigate a new and daunting life. This book highlights the strength and resilience of young adults in uniform and the enduring bonds that sustain them and their families. The story is especially poignant in light of recent world events.

[S.M. Stevens · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Roof Above is at its heart a love story, although who truly loves whom isn’t always apparent to the main characters! It also has elements of a coming-of-age story as young Kelly, fresh out of college, tries to figure out how much she should let love vs. career steer her life’s direction. Many of us can relate to that conundrum. But most of all, for me anyway, it is a nice inside look at the world of military families, and how spouses in particular are there for each other, come what may. I enjoyed getting that view of a community I knew little about.

[Brenda Linnington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly Recommend! From the author of “Tough As Nails”, Gail Dwyer does a superb job of capturing the reader’s attention from the very first page in her new book “The Roof above.” For anyone who is new to military life, living the life, or simply curious about what military families go through, this book is a must read. Gail masterfully relates protagonist Kelly McGowan’s highs and lows and paints an authentic backdrop through her use of several relatable characters. Along with her fiancé, Army LT Matt Carpenter, we are treated to a realistic and memorable journey - a profoundly moving and important story that leaves the reader knowing that their time was well spent.

[Elaine Brady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dwyer's story provides a very insightful look into the lives of Army wives and their families. A very realistic story, makes you understand how military life tests and strengthens your relationships with family and friends over the years. Very enjoyable with relatable and likable characters. I couldn't put it down! A must read for anyone that enjoys heartwarming stories.

[Roberta Crissy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Military life and culture are difficult to capture, but author Gail Dwyer nailed both in The Roof Above with Kelly McGowan. Kelly faces many of the challenges that our young military spouses encounter today: identity, loneliness, separation and loss. This saga reveals Kelly’s strength and resilience through it all and, ultimately, she learns the importance of family and friends and how both are nurtured and strengthened, regardless of time or location.The Roof Above kept me on the edge of my seat and rooting for Kelly!

[Travis Tougaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gail Dwyer’s The Roof Above tells a story of love, family, and friendship put to the test under the stress of military life. When her fiancé, Matt, graduates from West Point, Kelly imagines an ideal life as an Army spouse. But, training assignments, frequent moves, a combat deployment, and Matt’s increasing withdrawal into himself leave Kelly lonely and unsure of what future she really wants. When a series of tragedies strikes, Kelly finds support from a network of unlikely friends and rekindled familial relationships. Filled with crisp prose, highly relatable characters, and insights into the realities of the lives of military families, The Roof Above deftly leads readers through Kelly’s journey of self discovery.

[MaryAlice Bagwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Roof Above is a must read for both military spouses and romance enthusiasts. This book has both realistic and compelling characters that draw you into their storylines. The twists and turns of the plot are fascinating and It is impossible not to fall in love with the main character, Kelly McGowan. Her girl next store personality and kindness make you invested in her love life. You want the happy ending for her!
Grab a mocha latte and a comfy chair and immerse yourself in a sweet, interesting book that will warm your heart!

[Lucille Guarino · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Roof Above is a story we don’t hear enough of. Told with authenticity and poignancy, the sacrifices and challenges of military life for couples and families are portrayed with honesty and openness. Young Army men and women balancing relationships and service is heartwarming as is their allegiance to one another. And in the midst of it all . . . finding true love. An interesting read you will not soon forget.

[Sharon Bryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This heartwarming story gives us civilians a glimpse inside Army life. Dwyer’s witty writing is laugh out loud funny. A must read!

[Book Reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Roof Above, by Gail Dwyer, thoughtfully explores the often-overlooked experiences of an Army spouse through the eyes of its protagonist, Kelly McGowan. Kelly, an ambitious accounting graduate, faces life head-on as she embarks on a journey filled with personal and professional challenges. Her story begins with high aspirations, influenced by her academic pursuits, but swiftly takes a turn as she encounters the harsh realities of job hunting and the strains of a long-distance relationship with her fiancé, Matt, who is attending West Point.

Dwyer's novel is grounded in authenticity, drawing inspiration from the real-life stories of Army spouses she is closely connected with. This lends a genuine and realistic touch to the narrative. The book delves into the nuances of how enduring love develops over time, underscoring the indispensable support of family and friends. Kelly’s journey through family dynamics, coupled with her search for emotional sustenance, paints a vivid picture of her resilience and growth.

The storytelling in The Roof Above is seamless and engaging, capturing various facets of life, from professional environments to intimate moments. The narrative deftly illustrates Kelly’s evolution from a solitary figure grappling with inner turmoil to someone who gains a more balanced and objective perspective through adversity. The story unfolds at a thoughtful, deliberate pace, reflecting the gradual progression of life. This narrative approach includes moments where the protagonist, Kelly, engages in introspection, offering readers an opportunity to deeply connect with her internal journey. The story is infused with a sense of life's inherent unpredictability, effectively capturing how each moment holds the potential for significant transformation and unforeseen challenges.

The Roof Above offers a unique and thoughtful exploration of life's transitions and the complexities of military spouse life. It stands as an inspiring and insightful read for those navigating life’s changes, providing a fresh perspective on the dynamic and evolving nature of our own journeys.

[Gail Olmsted · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Roof Above by Gail Dwyer is a beautifully written tale of love, love lost, family and the all encompassing power of friendship. Kelly dreams of being married to Matt, her handsome West Point graduate fiancé. Putting her own plans on hold, she supports him through various training missions and a painfully long deployment. Along the way, she learns to make the most of her situation by taking courses, seeking employment and teaching yoga. The friends she makes are primarily Army wives and they provide her with the stability she craves and the love she deserves. But how does Matt fit into to all of this? He's had the opportunity to set a date on any number of occasions but he's dragging his feet. Painful truths finally surface which change everything for Kelly.

When a powerful hurricane topples the beach community where she often stays with her aunt, Kelly has to dig deep to find the strength that those who love her know she possesses. As she searches for a home and what will make her happy, she discovers that love can be found when you're not even looking.

The author's bio clearly proves just how authentic this story is. Her years serving in the Army and decades as an Army wife create a painfully honest foundation to what could have been a simple romance. But trust me on this, The Roof Above is so much more. Highly recommend for the insightful look at the other side of war- the hopes and dreams of the families and loved ones left behind.

[Matthew Stern · Rating 5 out of 5]

We meet Kelly McGowan at West Point in May 2003 as she attends her fiancé Matt’s graduation. What follows are the uncertainties of military life: moving from one small town to another, long and painful separations, and the looming fear of having a loved one deployed to combat.

In The Roof Above, Gail Dwyer does a beautiful job of depicting military life from the point of view of a significant other. Through Kelly, we experience life in military towns, the struggle of spouses to find work, the camaraderie that grows between the families who share in this challenging and occasionally heartbreaking life. But Kelly contends with challenges of her own, including family tensions, a troubled younger sister, and her own doubts about Matt’s commitment to her.

Gail draws upon her personal experience to create a rich and engaging story. She is a West Point graduate, an Army spouse, and mom to two Army officers. (One of her sons died tragically in a helicopter crash.) I can feel how much of Gail’s lived experience comes through in Kelly’s character, the details of military life down to the acronyms, and settings like the Florida Gulf Coast. That experience brings Kelly’s story to life and will keep you turning pages to find out what happens to her next.

The Roof Above is an unforgettable story, with an engaging main character, about a part of military life most of us don’t think about. It’s a book I highly recommend.

An advance copy of the book was provided by the author.

[Maria Sisk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gail Dwyer's "The Roof Above" is a poignant and inspiring novel that beautifully captures the resilience and strength of army spouses. Dwyer's narrative skillfully portrays the unique challenges these individuals face, from managing daily life to coping with the uncertainties of military life. Her characters embody the essence of hope and resilience, offering readers a powerful look into the lives of those connected to the armed forces.

The book shines a light on the inner strength and fortitude of army spouses, revealing how these challenges lead to remarkable personal growth and self-discovery. Dwyer’s writing is both authentic and compassionate, making "The Roof Above" a touching tribute to the unsung heroes in military families.

Gail Dwyer’s novel is an uplifting and heartfelt story that resonates deeply, celebrating the unyielding spirit of those who find strength and hope in the most challenging circumstances. A must-read for its moving portrayal of courage and the power of the human spirit.

[Siobhan Fallon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gail Dwyer’s The Roof Above offers readers a true glimpse into military life—both the good and the bad. There is the shine of the United States Military Academy at West Point, but also the gloom of long and dangerous deployments. For every ecstatic and picture-perfect reunion, there are months of anxiety, waiting, and miscommunication.

Remarkably, readers will find themselves rooting for all the characters. Though there is plenty of tension (and plenty of bad decisions!) within these pages, there are no villains. Instead, Dwyer deftly manages to create a cast of characters who try their best to do what they think is right, not realizing how these actions hurt the people who love them the most.

All of the characters are flawed and deeply human, and therefore the kind readers won’t forget.

Gail Dwyer intimately knows the landscape she is writing about. She is a West Point graduate, a military spouse, and a military mom. Her experience, honesty, humor, and love of the military community shines through in every incredible detail.

[Cam Torrens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gail Dwyer’s The Roof Above is a story of love, war, and resilience, with a plot and voice that turns a page-flipping romance into a beautiful novel about the power of community!

Through a long military career, I’ve been on both sides of the deployment cycle. My wife flew combat support missions in the Middle East during the 90’s while I did my best back home with the kids. During the next decade, she ran the home front during my frequent deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. Both of us would have floundered without our “military family” bonds created through shared hardship, misery, and loneliness.

The Roof Above brought that camaraderie I’ve missed back to life! Dwyer writes from personal experience and absolutely nails the theme of the military tribe. I found myself laughing, nodding, and swallowing a lump in my throat while barreling through her impossible-to-put-down love story.

[Malcolm Visser · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well-written coming of age story with a likeable heroine who grows up before our eyes while contending with life as the fiancée of a young Army officer with some growing up to do himself. The major characters are believable, with clearly explained motivations and concerns, while the various minor characters are anything but incidental, doing their part to deliver wit, wisdom, or good old-fashioned comic relief. The story is full of unexpected twists, with no true villains, only genuine people who have conflicting needs, desires, and problems. Written in the first person, Gail Dwyer infuses her protagonist with wry humor, but this book pulls no punches. There are heartbreaking sequences that are not just compelling but riveting. The Roof Above does a marvelous job telling the story of the spouses and significant others who stay behind while their husbands (and wives) deploy overseas; a story, to the best of my knowledge, that has never been adequately told before.

[E.D. Hackett · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Roof Above is a story about resiliency, bravery, and honor. It is a military fiction told from the spouse's (or fiance's) perspective. We follow Kelly as she navigates highs and lows of following a military man through different states, friendships, and deaths. She proves to be stronger than she realizes, as she questions the path she followed and the destination she wants to find. This is a wonderful read if you are looking for a deep, character driven story about the choices we make and the sacrifices that occur because of those choices. Bravo, Gail Dwyer, for shedding light on a topic so many can connect with.

I received this novel as an early reader and this is my honest assessment.

[Nancy Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Roof Above is a book I did not want to end - so I read it twice! I’m hopeful author Gail Dwyer writes a sequel someday. I’m also hopeful that those who don’t know much about the military read and understand the special bonds, the sacrifices, and the strength of military spouses. I’m invested in the characters, all of whom are so very authentic.
Gail writes with humor, and from personal experience, but most importantly, from her heart. This story is about love and loss, duty and brotherhood, and especially about friendships. It is a wonderful testament to the powers of friends, family, and perseverance in all circumstances. A great reminder to cherish your loved ones, and a “must read.”

[Diane Nagatomo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gail Dwyer’s “The Roof Above” is a sweet, yet sometimes difficult, novel depicting the lives of a young woman who has decided to throw her lot in with a West Point graduate and become a military spouse. But not only does the military life make it difficult for Kelly to live in a state of limbo—her career on hold—but also Matt’s indecision about their futures together leaves her to question the direction her life is taking. I grew up as a military brat in the 1960s, and this story made me remember clearly how the women coped with a myriad of issues as unsung heroes while they supported their husband’s careers. This was not the life I ever wanted to choose for myself, but I am glad that I read this moving story. I was lucky to read an ARC of this novel, and my opinion is my own.

[Patty Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Roof Above is a triumph! The story is told from the point of view of a military outsider, Kelly, as she navigates a new world, giving all of us “civilians” a glimpse of what it demands to support today’s soldiers. The shared experiences that bond Army families through ups and downs are delicately portrayed through Kelly’s journey. It was a pleasure to read this love story, created from the informed perspective of a soldier, soldier’s wife and soldiers’ mother that only Gail could conjure. Written with her special brand of humor, grace and humility, you will be sure to enjoy the read and the ride.

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Roof Above is a love story set against the backdrop of military service. Gail Dwyer’s novel chronicles the experiences of Kelly McGowan and her journey as she creates a family of choice. While her fiancé navigates his early military training and deployment overseas, we get to know Kelly and the challenges of being in a relationship with an Army officer. Multi-dimensional characters, a rich, compelling story and realistic settings make this an excellent read, as well as a window into the demands of military life. It was easy to get caught up in the characters and their lives. Definitely recommend.

[A.J. McCarthy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel is about a young woman who follows her fiancé from his graduation from West Point to his training missions. She waits and worries about him during his deployment to Iraq, and stresses about their future as a couple. Along the way, she makes lifelong friends, reunites with her aunt, and suffers their losses alongside them. The author brings her real-life experiences to the fore and sheds light on life in the military, as an officer and a spouse. This is a beautifully written story about love, friendship, family, hardship, and perseverance. Impossible to put-down and highly recommended.

[Renata (Heupel) Mayrhofer · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's rare to find books that address the lives of women left behind when their spouses are deployed to a warzone. The story is more than just the hardships endured or the emotional rollercoaster of praying and hoping that their husbands/fiances would return whole and alive. It's also a love story intertwined with other love stories, a story of friendships that created a sense of family, and of family secrets that are revealed at awkward times. I laughed and cried with the protagonist because the story drew me in to feel like I was part of her circle.
An aside: I listened to this on audiobook, and the reader was just ok. I wish I'd read the printed book instead.

[Kim McCollum · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautifully written book gave me insight into the lives of the wives left behind when soldiers deploy in a way that made me feel as though I was living it with them. Dwyer does an incredible job of capturing the emotional rollercoaster of being part of the military community even for those with no experience with it. I was incredibly touched by this book that has it all - romance, heartbreak, familial bonds, unlikely friendships, and an incredibly resilient and loveable main character who you root for from page one until the very last page. I highly recommend this book!

[Kimberly Kenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gail Dwyer hooked me within the first few pages of this book with engaging narrative and dialogue that raised questions and kept me turning the pages. Being unfamiliar with military life didn't get in the way of my reading since themes of love, ambition, uncertainty, and sacrifice are universal, and the characters are deeply drawn and relatable. Gail Dwyer writes from a true-life perspective, and I enjoyed getting an insight into what military families experience. Her book inspires and has made me appreciate their service even more.

[Kiley Cappello · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had forgotten what it was like to be young and in love and finding my way as a West Point girlfriend. The Roof Above brought me right back to those days when war was looming for my boyfriend (now husband!) and my own life was just beginning to unfold. Just like all of my military spouse friends, I didn't know where Kelly was going to end up. Great read!

[Regina Buttner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always admired the men and women who selflessly volunteer to serve our country, and this book deepened my respect. Gail Dwyer perfectly captures a broad range of emotions as Kelly McGowan–an intelligent, sensitive and determined young woman–navigates multiple moves, loneliness, uncertainty and tragic loss, and ultimately finds her way back to her chosen "tribe."

[Debbie C · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know this book is not award material, but I give it 5-stars nevertheless.
It was fun, all consuming, with wonderful and realistic characters. I learned so much about military life, and reminisced back to finding my way in the world while my friend’s lives all seemed to fall into place easily. Bravo. wonderful job!

[Linda Rosen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This heart lifting novel beautifully highlights my belief that family is more than blood. Dwyer sets her story, with its wonderful characters, in an Army community, yet its message is universal.

[Sonia Hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't describe this life better!