The Lady Leathernecks

by Chiara Kelly

When painfully shy Starbucks barista Allyn Kend joins the Marines, shecapsizes those who thought they knew her best. The only thing that makes sense is that her fiancé Eliot was already a Lance Corporal. However,when she meets truckstop evangelist Jess Kellerman, Korean linguist Bibi Shim and Palm Beach hotel heiress Syth Sangiorgio at boot camp onParris Island, her whole concept of whom and what a Marine should be isbroken down and rebuilt, along with her own humanity.Each sister has a secret; but also a thirst to prove herself in battleand in life. But despite grating differences, they realize they need one another to overcome the physical, mental and emotional obstacles thatstand between them and the coveted title of Basic Marine or "LadyLeatherneck." And that is just the beginning!As each Lady Leatherneck serves with differing intentions, they find out more about themselves and one another through the unique challenges ofsoldier motherhood, duty, deployments, love and loss. As "Globe"reporter Allyn drafts a feature story on human trafficking, MP Jessmakes an unlikely arrest that will follow her for life. Meanwhile,linguist Bibi settles cultural scores with her family while deployed toher native Korea. But nothing is final until ostentatious Syth gets herbaby back. Only together could they learn that while the Marine Corpsmay not be for everyone; it is for more than just one type of person.Combat is Human.

Genres: Military Fiction

373 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 17, 2013

About the author

Chiara Kelly is an American freelance writer and editor currently living in Seoul, Korea with her husband and three sons. Her debut novel, "The Lady Leathernecks" is based in part on her service in the U.S. Marine Corps from 2001-2005. She is a graduate of Campbell University and Boston University. Her genre of interest involves contemporary women's fiction with a military twist and some added Korean spice.

Reviews

[Nancy Steinle gummel · Rating 5 out of 5]

There she meets three other women then become close friens,Kellerman,Shinand SangeorginoThe Lady Leathernecks by Chiara Kelly is a first reads win and I am giving my honest opinion. Allyn Kend enlists in the US Marine Corps. Her finane is a lance corporal in the corps. Hes on a navy. Ship going from South Korea, Japan down to Africa. She enters boot camp, where she becomes close friends with Kellerman, Shin and Sangeorgino. Sangeorgino wants to have a baby. Shin is going into intelligence since she fluid in Korean. Kellerman wants a family and a home.kend is not sure of what she wants. This book tells how they find and achieve their goals. The friendships the build and endure.

[Cindy Edwards · Rating 3 out of 5]

It started out really strong, I really enjoyed the whole boot camp section. Once they got into the real world, I felt the dialogue was weak and drawn out.
I did not like the lack of chapters. (none).

[E. L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not what I was looking for. As a Marine I was looking for a boot camp experience from the Woman Marine side. Not a bad book just not what I was looking for.

[M · Rating 1 out of 5]

I think this story could have turned out well but the writing left much to be desired.

[Audrey Grant · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have some real likes and some real dislikes with this book. I am very torn.

Likes, I honestly got this and started it because my Son is in his third year in the military. While not a Marine he has served with women from day one and I read everything I can get my hands on to understand the military way of life, thought process, rules and regs, why they do things, how each thing effects different personalities...etc.

This book has a lot of that during the first section. During the boot camp or Basic Training.

Then the book took a turn and went all personal novel. Following each of the main characters from one buddy group of gals in basic on to their next assignments. BUT, it goes into details of their messy lives.... boyfriends, breakups, sex, babies, weddings, divorces, etc.

The job details were great. How each one went where and did different jobs. (Hard to believe all of them but one who got KP duty, which is what she asked for!! Got such important jobs but what ever.) It told how each went through different aspects but...

Against, the book is the unrealistic way it always seemed to work out for every one of them on the Corps! They always ended up with their NCO liking them in the end. (does not really happen that way no matter how hard you try!)

And most importantly, to me, was how the "Christians" were portrayed! Over the top, too intense at times, on & off, desperate, pushy...

I think this book is for a certain fan base. Those like me, Parents with children in or going into (best if they are already in bootcamp before reading) military life. Women who are interested in military life. Someone who's Mom, Sister, Aunt, Friend, etc... is or has served in the military. That sort of thing.

My Mother-in-Law served in TWO branches of the military! Getting out 52 yrs ago to start her family. She is also one of the greatest women of God you could ever be blessed to meet. So I know a LOT about both subjects so feel I can speak with at least a little knowledge.

[Nancy Silk · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Marine Band of Sisters"

As a first novel of Author Chiara Kelly, she has accomplished an amazing story. The format is different, no chapters, but the different characters express their backgrounds, experiences of going through basic training, then moving on into their assignments and their personal lives. This is a great revelation of what it's like to become an honored member of the military as women. As I was inspired to read this story, I looked back at my life when I once felt I wanted to join the U.S. Air Force. I'm glad I did not because I know I could never meet the physical demands these women were put through in boot camp. I give this story five stars for the creativity, candid, and compelling characters revealed by the author. But I have to give it four stars for the numerous typos and lack of a better editing and proofreading. This really slowed my reading pleasure down. But ... I did read it from cover to cover, and I applaud all the women who had the strength to become strong members to the U.S. Marine Corps.

[v.geniebrown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

I enjoyed this book and was very pleased with your characters.
This was the first time I have enjoyed a military book, but it's reality
Of what females deal with was quite unusual . A good read