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The Wounded Warriors #2
Justifying Jack
Justifying Jack is a standalone novel, and can be enjoyed even if you haven't read other books in the series.
For Army Staff Sergeant Jack Nelson, the military is more than just a career goal; it's the only life he knows. That is, until a tragic explosion leaves him wounded in body and spirit.
His military service ended, Jack returns to his parents' home to recuperate. Expecting a time of quiet contemplation, Jack is blindsided by the most inappropriate of attractions... the widow of his lost brother-in-arms. While Marithe's sweetness soothes Jack's agony, she's also suffering from her own grief.
Will the couple be able to find a future together, or will regret, guilt and secrets destroy their troubled romance?"
For Army Staff Sergeant Jack Nelson, the military is more than just a career goal; it's the only life he knows. That is, until a tragic explosion leaves him wounded in body and spirit.
His military service ended, Jack returns to his parents' home to recuperate. Expecting a time of quiet contemplation, Jack is blindsided by the most inappropriate of attractions... the widow of his lost brother-in-arms. While Marithe's sweetness soothes Jack's agony, she's also suffering from her own grief.
Will the couple be able to find a future together, or will regret, guilt and secrets destroy their troubled romance?"
217 pages, Paperback
First published May 25, 2015
9 people are currently reading
115 people want to read
About the author
J.M. Northup
28 books129 followersI'm a multi-genre author, editor, review, and book blogger as well as partner and CEO/CFO of NORNS TRIAD PUBLICATIONS.
I am a native Minnesotan who resides in Central Wisconsin. I proudly served in the United States Air Force and have a diverse background in aviation, nursing, the gas & oil industry, database processing, and operations management. I'm married to my best friend, Dusty, and, together, we have 2 beautiful daughters plus 4 grandchildren!
Find out more about me at my websites:
www.jmnorthup.com
www.nornstriad.com
I am a native Minnesotan who resides in Central Wisconsin. I proudly served in the United States Air Force and have a diverse background in aviation, nursing, the gas & oil industry, database processing, and operations management. I'm married to my best friend, Dusty, and, together, we have 2 beautiful daughters plus 4 grandchildren!
Find out more about me at my websites:
www.jmnorthup.com
www.nornstriad.com
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
June 15, 2015
I really enjoyed this love after loss story of a widowed military wife and an injured soldier who reach out to each other after the terrible wartime incident. Jack is able to offer friendship, support and a hand up through his parents who run a church near where Marithe is living with her young children. She is able to get an office job and the children are able to attend the school and daycare affiliated with the church.
Marithe struggles with her strong feelings for Jack, and Jack is sure that Marithe is it for him. He loves her children and her with every fiber of his being. He also struggles with his feelings and with giving her the time she thinks she needs to grieve the loss of her husband.
I appreciated the effort the authors made to help the reader to understand the characters feelings, but stating their feelings in italics, and then their actual statements. Many issues were brought forth in this beautifully written novel, from grief and lose, to PTSD, infertility, religion and beliefs, and of course also faith and love.
Marithe's contemplation, "You've been happy to take Jack's love...to use it to fill up the empty places in your heart, but at the same time, you've held your heart back from him. He knows it's broken, yet he wants it anyway. And deep down, you want to give it to him...you already have. You're just afraid to admit it, and in your own selfishness, you're hurting him.
Jack's thoughts: "Just when I dared to hope...His heart felt like it was being ripped from his chest and unexpected tears fell from his eyes as he wept for the woman he desperately desired. I though...but no. He shuddered with a heaving sob. She's slipped out of my grasp again."
This book was gifted by the Authors for an honest review.
Marithe struggles with her strong feelings for Jack, and Jack is sure that Marithe is it for him. He loves her children and her with every fiber of his being. He also struggles with his feelings and with giving her the time she thinks she needs to grieve the loss of her husband.
I appreciated the effort the authors made to help the reader to understand the characters feelings, but stating their feelings in italics, and then their actual statements. Many issues were brought forth in this beautifully written novel, from grief and lose, to PTSD, infertility, religion and beliefs, and of course also faith and love.
Marithe's contemplation, "You've been happy to take Jack's love...to use it to fill up the empty places in your heart, but at the same time, you've held your heart back from him. He knows it's broken, yet he wants it anyway. And deep down, you want to give it to him...you already have. You're just afraid to admit it, and in your own selfishness, you're hurting him.
Jack's thoughts: "Just when I dared to hope...His heart felt like it was being ripped from his chest and unexpected tears fell from his eyes as he wept for the woman he desperately desired. I though...but no. He shuddered with a heaving sob. She's slipped out of my grasp again."
This book was gifted by the Authors for an honest review.
June 7, 2015
I was given a complimentary copy for an honest review by authors Simone Beaudelaire and J.M. Northup. This is book 2 of their series The Wounded Warriors.
Jack Nelson was coming home after spending months in a hospital because of an injury in the war. He has been writing letter to his best friends wife after he got killed. Little did he know how much that would come to mean to him. Marithé is suffering from loosing her husband not to long ago but the letters from Jack seem to give her comfort and ease the pain. When they meet for the first time there is silent electricity between them but can their pain keep them apart.
This is an emotional read from both characters stand point. Jack because of the war and Marithé for loosing her spouse but somehow these 2 work through their pain and it shows in the smooth flowing story lines. The characters show heart and guts in this story and you can tell the authors created wonderful characters.
This is for any military romance book lover who enjoys hope and determination in their books.
Jack Nelson was coming home after spending months in a hospital because of an injury in the war. He has been writing letter to his best friends wife after he got killed. Little did he know how much that would come to mean to him. Marithé is suffering from loosing her husband not to long ago but the letters from Jack seem to give her comfort and ease the pain. When they meet for the first time there is silent electricity between them but can their pain keep them apart.
This is an emotional read from both characters stand point. Jack because of the war and Marithé for loosing her spouse but somehow these 2 work through their pain and it shows in the smooth flowing story lines. The characters show heart and guts in this story and you can tell the authors created wonderful characters.
This is for any military romance book lover who enjoys hope and determination in their books.
August 3, 2022
I wrote this book with my friend and co-author Simone Beaudelaire. It is the second installment in our Wounded Warriors Series.
SAVING SAM - BOOK 1
Book One is a tale that covers the mental scars of war and how they can complicate an already difficult life or relationship.
JUSTIFYING JACK - BOOK 2
Book Two is the story which focuses on the family and how the physical wounds inflicted on a soldier can shape one's life.
MAKING MIKE - BOOK 3
Book Three deals more with emotions. It is meant to show how resilient the human spirit is and that despite all things, it is possible to reclaim your life and move forward.
I am very proud of this book and the tenderness it displays. Simone and I wanted to not only honor the soldiers, but to pay tribute to the families that support them as well! I think we did that!
SAVING SAM - BOOK 1
Book One is a tale that covers the mental scars of war and how they can complicate an already difficult life or relationship.
JUSTIFYING JACK - BOOK 2
Book Two is the story which focuses on the family and how the physical wounds inflicted on a soldier can shape one's life.
MAKING MIKE - BOOK 3
Book Three deals more with emotions. It is meant to show how resilient the human spirit is and that despite all things, it is possible to reclaim your life and move forward.
I am very proud of this book and the tenderness it displays. Simone and I wanted to not only honor the soldiers, but to pay tribute to the families that support them as well! I think we did that!
June 9, 2015
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Justifying Jack. I had never read this author before and had no expectations. The story evolved at a good pace and I never felt like things were dragging. In fact I read it cover to cover in 2 sessions, the story was so engaging. While the romance was hot & steamy I liked the book best because it was "real". Many soldiers don't return from war but lives do go on. The author's insight into war issues brought a depth to the story that is often missing. Without distracting the reader from the main plot the issues of PTSD, physical & mental war wounds & the special bonds between combat soldiers was explored and this enriched the entire story. I only wish it had been longer. Thank you Simone, I enjoyed Jack's journey and now look forward to reading Sam's story in Saving Sam.
October 5, 2015
Forgotten Heroes: the families of our troops
This second book in the Wounded Warriors series acknowledges what the families go through while their loved ones are gone and when they return. Being part of the military life is not easy for either side. While this country has finally started thanking our troops for their service we have forgotten to also thank their families for the mostly unrecognized hardships they must endure. The authors have done an amazing job in telling these stories and I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
This second book in the Wounded Warriors series acknowledges what the families go through while their loved ones are gone and when they return. Being part of the military life is not easy for either side. While this country has finally started thanking our troops for their service we have forgotten to also thank their families for the mostly unrecognized hardships they must endure. The authors have done an amazing job in telling these stories and I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
August 1, 2015
Wounded Warriors Contemporary Romance
Great romance and even better light on our wounded souls. Book I Saving Sam was also an important example of what soldiers, families, friends and all those who surround them go through when their mind, body, and soul has been tragically and unforgivably wounded or killed.
Great romance and even better light on our wounded souls. Book I Saving Sam was also an important example of what soldiers, families, friends and all those who surround them go through when their mind, body, and soul has been tragically and unforgivably wounded or killed.
September 21, 2015
A loving tribute to wounded soldiers
With patience on both of their parts and his parents, and his brothers in arms, the couple was able to overcome bothj
With patience on both of their parts and his parents, and his brothers in arms, the couple was able to overcome bothj
January 29, 2018
Justifying Jack
by J.M. Northup
Justifying Jack is the second story in the Wounded warrior series, is the story of love, survival and justifying how you continue after a great loss. The book centers on the leader of the small platoon that has lost two members in battle. Jack was injured in the fire fight that took his fellow soldiers and after a lengthy recovery has returned home. Jack is pursued by the ghost of his own making. Some from the injury some from the responsibility that he feels toward his brothers in arms. Jack has many personal struggles but he finds through helping others his greatest strengths.
Marie Teresa is the widow of Jorge, one of the soldiers lost in battle. Jack reaches out o his family to help support this widow. She is forced to move from base housing and its Jack’s family that not only finds her work, and a place for her children, but a family that she can be supported by.
The story shows the resilience of the human soul, and the ties that bind. With a remarkably sweet romance in the core of the story. Thank you Julie for sharing this all too realistic story and allowing others to know that the struggles of war not only face the soldiers but the family at home.
by J.M. Northup
Justifying Jack is the second story in the Wounded warrior series, is the story of love, survival and justifying how you continue after a great loss. The book centers on the leader of the small platoon that has lost two members in battle. Jack was injured in the fire fight that took his fellow soldiers and after a lengthy recovery has returned home. Jack is pursued by the ghost of his own making. Some from the injury some from the responsibility that he feels toward his brothers in arms. Jack has many personal struggles but he finds through helping others his greatest strengths.
Marie Teresa is the widow of Jorge, one of the soldiers lost in battle. Jack reaches out o his family to help support this widow. She is forced to move from base housing and its Jack’s family that not only finds her work, and a place for her children, but a family that she can be supported by.
The story shows the resilience of the human soul, and the ties that bind. With a remarkably sweet romance in the core of the story. Thank you Julie for sharing this all too realistic story and allowing others to know that the struggles of war not only face the soldiers but the family at home.
November 5, 2019
Will Jack and Marithe ever get beyond the hurts of the war? Jack has lost one of his squad buddies and a huge chunk of one thigh. He is in pain and must use a cane for the rest of his life. Marithe has lost her husband and has their two children to raise. Jack had written her about her husband’s. When he discovered she was still in the same city as his parents and needed a job, he sent her to the Lutheran Church and school where his father had been Assistant Pastor and his mother still worked at the school. Marithe gets the job and they meet when Jack returns. There is an immediate connection, but Jack feels guilty about his handicap and Marithe believes she must grieve for a year before considering anyone else. Of course, the two children love Jack’s mother and both decide he should be part of their family. Jack also feels guilty about loving his dead friend’s life. More members of his squad live in his city and they all have problems caused by the Mideast wars and turmoil. Will Jack and Marithe be able to work through their guilt and build a life together for them and the two children.
June 1, 2017
Jack Nelson is a special man who served in the Army and gave much to his country. Mari Dominguez is the wife and mother to two children of Jorge who was Jack's friend that served and died in Afganistan . Jack contacted Mari because he wanted to befriend her and her children. Jack is dealing with much emotionally. Two of his other friends who served with him are home as well. Sam and Mike are vets from his company who were wounded as well.
Jack struggles with daily pain emotionally and physically. He also is falling for Mari. Mari and her children are enjoying the attention bestowed upon them by Jack. However, she too is beginning to have feelings for Jack . A touching story of sacrifice and love.
Wonderfully written and makes me appreciate more our men and women who give beyond measure to protect us here in the US from the evils in from others in the world. May God continue to bless and keep them...
Jack struggles with daily pain emotionally and physically. He also is falling for Mari. Mari and her children are enjoying the attention bestowed upon them by Jack. However, she too is beginning to have feelings for Jack . A touching story of sacrifice and love.
Wonderfully written and makes me appreciate more our men and women who give beyond measure to protect us here in the US from the evils in from others in the world. May God continue to bless and keep them...
May 5, 2017
Wounded soldier comes home to make a new life with his maiming and finds love with his friend's widow.
All the characters are in a state of shock and/or grief through out the story.
Army Staff Sergeant Jack Nelson is our damaged hero that falls in love with Marithé and her two kids, Elena and Andre. There is lots of time passing in the story so this doesn't go down in a week like in A Matter of Time Book I.
Lots of Christian themes, but everyone is really kind and trying to do what they think is 'best' but most people are wrong. Therefore lots of realistic depictions of humans. The story was really slow moving, so slow that I almost quit reading about half way.
200ish pages and kindle freebie
2 stars
All the characters are in a state of shock and/or grief through out the story.
Army Staff Sergeant Jack Nelson is our damaged hero that falls in love with Marithé and her two kids, Elena and Andre. There is lots of time passing in the story so this doesn't go down in a week like in A Matter of Time Book I.
Lots of Christian themes, but everyone is really kind and trying to do what they think is 'best' but most people are wrong. Therefore lots of realistic depictions of humans. The story was really slow moving, so slow that I almost quit reading about half way.
200ish pages and kindle freebie
2 stars
March 8, 2017
I am giving this book a four star review, although I think readers who like romance may give it an even higher rating. Jack Nelson, after getting wounded in war, comes home. He ls living with his parents, not always the best thing to do. But, more interesting is the woman who he corresponded with because her husband, who served with Jack, died. Marithe not only lives in the same town but works for dad's Jack, who is a pastor. This book deals with the PTSD soldiers suffer from and the stress their families deal with.
May 31, 2016
Justifying Jack is a deeply emotional and heartwarming read. It's a romance for sure and so much more. This author duo has brought the emotional, psychological and physical devastation of war to the forefront. Not near enough attention is given to the struggles that veterans as well as their families face after a soldier comes home. Or, the utter misery and sadness when they don't. Although this book deals with some cold, hard realities, the prose are woven together with beauty, grace and a hope that life can be good again. I highly recommend this book. I can't wait to read the rest of the series.
October 3, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews