She’s a quirky inn owner who’s given up on finding love. He’s a soldier with PTSD, fighting demons at every turn. Can they help each other heal despite the odds? Franny Thompson has owned a Lindsey Point inn ever since a family tragedy left her brokenhearted. When a lonely soldier comes to town needing a place to live, she offers him a room to rent, never dreaming he’s about to change her world. After Heath Garrick retires from the Army, he finds himself plagued by PTSD and no place to call home. He accepts Franny’s offer of lodging but is determined to keep to himself while he tries to heal. She’s everything he’s never wanted in a woman – and everything he might just need. As these two find comfort in each other’s friendship, a powerful attraction develops. But when a national magazine chooses the inn for a makeover, they are thrust into the spotlight. For Franny, it’s a dream come true. For Heath, it’s the worst kind of trouble. Can two lonely souls help each other find love and hope again, or are some battle scars too deep to heal? If you like small-town romance with a military twist, friends-to-lovers stories, and you’re a fan of Nora Roberts and Robyn Carr, you’ll love this book in the emotional Hometown Heroes series. Each of the Hometown Heroes books is a stand-alone novel, which means no cliff-hangers and a complete happy ending each time. If you'd like to read them in order, though, you'll meet up with familiar characters in each book. Enjoy! Beacon of Love - Book 1 Inferno of Love - Book 2 Labyrinth of Love - Book 3 Miracle of Love - Book 4 Soldier of Love - Book 5 Art of Love – Book 6
USA Today best-selling author Allie was born and raised in a very small town in upstate New York, which probably explains her fascination with the magic of small town life.
She earned her B.A. in English, with a minor in Education, from the University of Rochester in New York and then moved to Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, where she earned her M.A. in English Literature.
Since 1997, Allie has enjoyed life in the northern NYC suburbs, where she lives with her husband and teaches high school English during the day. When she isn't teaching, she's writing about small towns (with lots of secrets and spice!). Copy and paste this link into your address bar to sign up for Allie's newsletter and receive notices for upcoming releases, fun giveaways, contests, review opportunities, and more! http://eepurl.com/9TO79
This review is based on an ARC provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest opinion.
This was a very sweet and poignant contemporary romance. I would recommend it to any of my "lovers of low angst" friends. It's a bit slow to read, but well worth it. The sex scenes in here are HOT too. The author did a wonderful job covering the topic and portrayal of PTSD. I didn't mind coming into the middle of a series. That's how well written and thought out this book was. There were no moments of confusion from trying to fill in the gaps from the rest of the series. The author just impressed me. I personally have never heard of her before but I am glad I rectified that and look forward to reading more from her.
Reading “Soldier of Love” by Allie Boniface I found exactly what I expected. A wonderful and sweet small-town romance.
This book is No 5 in the “Hometown Heroes” series, but it was my first by this author, so I think it can be easily read as a standalone if you can accept some references to stories or characters of the former books.
The leading characters were wonderful and deeply developed. The author used just enough feeling to make it count and not overdo it.
The plotline has all the clichés of a small-town love story but I did not mind at all because that was just what I was looking for at that time.
I liked Franny – because no matter her background and even if she might have thought of herself as broken. She was far from it. In fact she was sweet and caring and loved by everybody.
Heath was an interesting character – during my reading journeys, I encountered many soldiers (and I admit his background was what drew me to the book). I saw several approaches of authors to tell stories about PTSD but this approach felt slightly different from others. Which made it refreshing and new to me.
Also I have to say that the author used vivid descriptions of “The Hideaway” and its surrounding, that evoked pictures in my Mind, making it so much easier to bring the story to life – while reading it.
I received an ARC of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review and here it is.
This is the fifth novel in the author's Hometown Heroes series, but it's the first one of the series I've read, and what an emotionally captivating read it is.
The author wastes no time in introducing us to Franny Thomas, owner of a local bed and breakfast, The Hideaway, who also bakes and sells her baked goods at several venues in the small town of Lindsey Point, CT. She's dropping off her pastries at the Great White Bar and Grill, owned by dear friends of hers, siblings Finn and Patti, when she notices a lone patron sitting in a booth in the back, a man whose haircut gives away that he's probably in the military, and his expressionless yet wary face reminds her of her late mother's words of advice, "Everyone's fighting a fight you can't imagine, Francine. Be nice. Say hello." So Franny does just that, she brings him one of her brownies and sits down across from him. He's Heath Garrick, who explains that he's recently been discharged after 17 years in the Army. As Franny begins to chat with him, she learns that he's staying at a seedy motel in town until he figures out his next move, which includes finding a job. Franny offers him a deal--he's welcome to stay in the mobile home behind her B&B at a reduced rate in exchange for doing some chores around the inn. When another friend of Franny's, Aubrey, shows up, she vouches for Heath, who was one of the most popular and gregarious guys in her high school in a nearby town.
To Franny's surprise, Heath shows up at the inn the next day and agrees to Franny's terms, and we slowly learn about the battles he's fighting--he has PTSD, not surprising after 17 in the military, and somewhere out there, he also has a daughter who he's been trying unsuccessfully to find since his girlfriend abandoned him shortly after his first deployment, taking his baby daughter with her. Heath is drawn to Franny's kindness and warmth, and Franny, who's certainly been through trauma of her own, is drawn to him emotionally and physically, and so their relationship begins.
This is a truly well-written and heartfelt story about two emotionally scarred souls who find solace and healing in one another. Their road is not an easy one, and I appreciate the author's understanding of the long and difficult process of dealing with the effects of PTSD, something I've seen made light of in other, more poorly written and badly researched novels about wounded warriors. The characters are complex and sympathetic, one more thing I loved about this novel. I am more than eager to backtrack to the beginning of this captivating series. If the previous four novels are as good as this one, I think you'll fall in love with Lindsey Point, and want to revisit it too.
Heath Garrick has been in the Army for just under 20 years, but now that he has been discharged, he is struggling to find his place in civilian life. Nightmares and bad memories haunt him, and without the structure of the military the days seem endless with a complete lack of purpose. An old high school classmate suggested Lindsay Point as a quiet place to stop and gain some perspective on his life, so he finds himself renting a motel room and sipping coffee at a local coffee shop when breath of fresh air blows through the door bearing pastries.
Franny is a surprise to him; innocent, sweet and real, she catches him by surprise and soothes him with her quiet demeanor. Just being around her quiets the voices and sounds in his head. Franny has firsthand knowledge of what it is like to be broken and recognizes Heath's struggles with PTSD, and she finds herself offering him a job and reduced rent at her bed and breakfast. She may not know him, but she instinctively feels safe around him. When he accepts and they find the attraction sparking brighter between them, Heath still struggles with giving into the obvious invitation so innocently offered by Franny. Innocence has long been a thing of the past for him, and he is worried the darkness inside him will ultimately unintentionally hurt her, but eventually he gives in and decides to take a chance.
“You’re too good,” he said. He squeezed her fingers. “Too good for a guy like me.” He took a step back and then winked. “Of course, sometimes a good girl needs a bad boy in her life.” He rubbed the back of his head and grinned. “ What do you say? Want to give this bad boy a chance?”
She decides to give him that chance and they have a wonderful "honeymoon " phase where Heath demonstrates just how yummy he can be, but life's issues intrude on their happiness before long. Heath's past comes knocking on their door, and well meaning friends enter Franny and her bed and breakfast into a makeover contest. When she is chosen as the winner, she is flattered by the attention even as her life feels like it is being turned upside down and Heath's insecurities kick into high gear as he feels his safe place slipping from his grasp.
Soldier of Love leans more toward sweet than heat but it had some very melt worthy moments with a great cast of characters. Although it is the 5th book in a series, I was able to easily read it as a standalone so don't let that hold you back if this book sounds like your next read.
I enjoy reading Allie's books. Solider of Love is part of the Hometown Heroes collection but can be read as a stand alone. I suggest reading them all. It's nice to get a feel of the character in another book. I was super excited to read Franny's story.
Franny owns and runs the Hideaway which is a bed and breakfast in Lindsey Point. Franny is super sweet and does baking/cooking on the side. Franny likes to stay to herself though, moving back home she feels judge because of her past. Running the Hideaway gives her some peace because having stranger's stay there doesn't make Franny feel like she's being judge or getting pitty looks from everyone.
Heath has been out of the army for a couple of weeks and has ended up in Lindsey Point because a friend told him to stop by if he was ever in town. Heath suffers from PTSD and has secerts of his own. No job, no money ,no family and no place to live, Heath feels worthless.
Franny offers Heath a place to stay and for him to be the handyman at Hideaway. Franny and Heath's friendship spices up. Franny wins a contest to transform the Hideaway and the owner. Will their friendship turn into something more or will Heath walk away?
Solider of Love has a great story line. Some reader's could probably relate to this story or know someone who has. Read, read, read Solider of Love you won't regret it!
What can I say but “AWESOME”!!! Another amazing book by Ms Boniface . This book is part of the Hometown Heroes series, but know that it’s a stand alone. Our main character are Heath, a veteran soldier suffering from PTSD, and Franny, the owner of the Hideaway Bed and Breakfast.
Heath has been drifting after his return, having nightmares , affected by loud noises etc and has not found a place to belong since his return. Franny has had personal loses and heartaches, but that hasn’t stopped her from having a wonderful soul and heart.
Once they meet , they develop a relationship, that though frail is very sweet and deep. But most important, this story brings to the forefront the struggles our veteran and activity duty military men and women encounter upon their return to the States. No one can understand the psychological , physical and emotional situation they have to deal with. As a society we need to help these individuals. They have put their lives on the line for our safety and lives, the least we can do is honor them , treat them with respect and help them integrate back into a “ normal” life.
Soldier of Love, by Allie Boniface, is book five in the Hometown Heroes series. Even though this is part of a series, it can be read as a stand-alone. This is the first book I've read by this author, and it was absolutely amazing! It has everything you could want in a romance novel...complex characters, an interesting storyline, sizzling sex scenes, and friendship that turns into love. In addition to all of that, the author does an amazing job in portraying the character that has PTSD, something that too many of our soldiers (and their loved ones) deal with on a daily basis. This is a beautifully written story, one that I would strongly recommend reading!
The story is about Franny Thompson and Heath Garrick, both are troubled souls, but for different reasons. Franny lives in Lindsey Point, Connecticut, and runs a bed and breakfast called The Hideway. In her spare time, Franny also loves to bake, and sells her baked goods to some of the other businesses in town. While making a delivery to a bar owned by her friends, Patti and Finn, she notices Heath sitting by himself. Something about him draws her to him, and she goes over to introduce herself to him. Little did either of them know, but this would change both of their lives.
Heath Garrick is at a crossroads in his life. He has recently retired from the US Army, after spending seventeen years in active duty. He is now at a loss with what to do next in his life, and ends up in Lindsey Point. He needs to find a place to live and a job, and that problem is solved once he meets Franny. She explains that she owns The Hideway, and offers him a place to stay at a reduced rate, if he will agree to be her handyman at the inn.
As Franny and Heath begin working together, their heartfelt story begins to unfold. What starts out as an act of kindness by Franny, quickly turns into a wonderful friendship between them. Both characters are trying to heal and move forward in their lives, and become a great support to one another. This is the story of their journey together and finding the strength to learn to love someone, flaws and all. They are definitely attracted to each other and have great chemistry. However, as we all know, a real relationship requires so much more than great sex! It will by no means be an easy relationship, and they both know that. The real question is do they love each other enough to face their obstacles together?
I would love to reveal more, but refuse to ruin this book. It is an inspirational story that reveals so much emotion throughout the story. Heath had so much to deal with, especially dealing with his PTSD, and I truly felt so sorry for him. The manner in which the author handled this was truly appreciated. She explained it in such a way that it could be understood, but at the same time, she handled the topic of PTSD with a lot of care and insight. So often we fail to realize the true sacrifice and price our soldiers, and their families, pay to protect us. This story definitely was a look at that side we seldom hear about in the media.
I was given a digital copy of this book from DFM Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Franny Thompson has owned a bed and breakfast in Lindsey Point for the last five years, ever since a family tragedy left her broken. Running The Hideaway has been good therapy, but this thirty-year old doesn’t have the slightest idea about dating, fashion, or men. When a lonely Soldier comes to town in need of a place to live, she offers him an empty room to rent, never dreaming he’s about to change her world. Heath Garrick spent the last 17 years as an active duty Solider, but when he retired from the Army, he finds himself plagued by PTSD and no place to call home, until he moves to Lindsey Point and Franny offers him a room. Franny is quirky and naive, everything he’s never wanted in a woman – and everything he might just need.
A heartbreaking, wonderful read! PTSD is so very real for many of us, whether we or someone close to us is suffering from this disorder. Finding a way through the pain and turmoil is very difficult and finding someone who understands that can be more difficult. Franny and Heath are such deep characters and I am looking forward to reading the next Hometown Heroes.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
We all need inspiration. We all need hope. That voice in the back of our minds that tells us the difference between right or wrong. That shoulder to lean on when times get rough. Someone to love us despite the odds. Heath and Franny needed that human connection to help them mend body and spirit. Heath saw the worst of the worst and lived to tell about it but, did not emerge unscathed. His demons are buried deep within his mind from the memories he can't erase and the emotions he can't control. Franny has had her share of pain as well so she is his saving grace when he needs friendship. I received an ARC of Soldier of Love in exchange for an honest review. It's like cutting through the layers of an onion. There will be tears but the end reward makes it all worthwhile. 4.5 stars
This was an awesome story .Heath was in the military for 17 yrs.He saw bad things and lived to tell about them.He came home got out of the military but the memories of that didn't go away ,He has PTSD .He goes home to Lindsey point and rents a room in a b& b from Frannie.She has had problems of her own .They grow close and she is just what he needs.Then a magazine comes to do a makeover of her place .She is excited but Heath doesn't like all the excitement This story made me cry but the end made it worth it.Allie Boniface gave me this for an honest review and I have to say this is a 5 star read .Just loved it and she did a wonderful job telling the story
I was give an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest and independent review.
All the ingredients for a very readable romance. A hot ex military hero, suffering from PTSD; a ditsy, quirky heroine with issues from her past; a beautiful location; good characters; romance, some sexy scenes. This also had some interesting storylines - PTSD and its effects amongst others.
I liked the first half of the book (4 stars) but felt a bit disappointed and lost interest in the second (the makeover, the hero leaving); some details felt superficial for me, for instance the hero and his daughter’s emotionless reunion, the “healing” dog and some characters' features. 3,5 stars.
I really enjoyed this story! There is some decent spice in the bedroom, sexual tension abounds, character development is off the charts (hey-I think I know these people), and the plot flows smoothly while throwing in just enough twists to keep you connected to the story. I look forward to reading more by this author.
Oh my word. I really loved this book! Granny and Heath’s chemistry is off the charts and two lost souls are able to compliment each other. There is a real storyline to it, unlike many contemporary romances. The author addresses such subjects like PTSD and suicide with so much sensitivity. Well done!
This was a little different than the rest of the series, but totally enjoyable. Some of the subjects Allie writes about are sometimes hard on the emotions, but I love the way she addresses them.
Franny Thompson owns a local bed and breakfast in fictional town Lindsey Point, she also is a baker and delivers her goods to a local bar, restaurant when she notices a man sitting by himself. A stranger, and engages him in a conversation. Heath Garrick, was in the Army for 17 years and just retired he is struggling with PTSD but is still surprised when Franny comes over and talks to him. She offers him a place to stay and once he moves in to the trailer in the back he works around her place they also become friends. After a while there attraction for each other cannot be dined and they both seem happy. Even when his daughter shows up who is 17, this still works. Everything is going good until she wins a makeover for her bed and breakfast along with herself. Heath is doing everything to keep their relationship together in supporting her but he does like when the main producer is hanging all over Franny especially after her make over. When they are at the celebration the producer makes a pass at her and after telling him no more than once, Heath hit the guy once. Franny gets mad at him and later when she thinks about it he was only protecting her, but she realizes that Heath is gone. He did leave a note saying bye and hoping she will be happy with the producer fellow. Not hearing from him for almost two months her friends even told her what he did was the right thing, she still does not know where he is, and neither does his daughter. He is living on the streets in Boston and thinking about going back to see if Franny is with that guy or not, and maybe she will take him back. He sees another vet he knows getting beat up by three men and goes in to help his friend only to be shot. Franny gets a call and he is the hospital, and she decides he is not leaving her again, but she does not know if he is alive or not. READ THE BOOK AND FIND OUT. A very good with good characters. I got this book from Netgalley. I gave it 5 stars. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com
I do wonder if I would have a little more of an attachment to Franny if I’d read other stories in the series. I get that she didn’t have the usual upbringing and she dealt with a lot of tragedy at an early age, but I think there are some things that I didn’t quite pick up on. She didn’t have anyone help her with how to be a normal teenage girl – clothes, grooming, boys. And she’s spent a few years keeping to herself, but she does have friends and she seems very well grounded. I think that is some of the appeal for Heath. She’s got a maturity and understanding of people but she’s good on her own as well.
My heart just breaks for Heath. Besides everything that he went through at war, he’s also had some trouble in his personal life. He’s trying to find someplace where he’s comfortable and can just be and luckily he runs into Franny. The wisdom her trouble has caused her, along with her sweet heart, does something to help him. Unfortunately he’s not going to completely heal but she does allow him to find space to evaluate.
Which brings me to my only complaint - there was a lot of talk about Heath needing professional help but even in the epilogue they don’t talk about him actually getting any. The man definitely has issues, even he recognizes it, and with everything he goes through I would expect him to realize that he needs to see someone. Overall it is my only issue and the rest of the story is very satisfying, so I’ll be keeping an eye on what comes next.
(Complimentary copy provided in exchange for an honest review)
What a truly beautiful and captivating love story! I was completely amazed at how quickly the story and characters captured my heart. I really enjoyed the great storyline, the well developed characters were very likeable, low angst, secrets, unexpected surprises that cause changes neither are prepared for, sexy intimate scenes, and just an overall fantastic read! Although this is book #5 in the Hometown Heroes Series, it can be read as a stand alone. This is my first book in this series and thanks to the authors fantastic writing, I never felt like I was missing something or confused. She added just enough to give readers understanding but not too much to overwhelm or take away from the current story. This was my first book by this author and I was impressed with her writing skills, the ability to create a story and characters so realistic and easily relatable that you felt as if you were right there with them sharing their experiences, and the way she captures not only your attention but your heart as well right from the start. I love how she created a story so perfectly blended that it is sweet and innocent as well as having an underlining complexity to keep you intrigued and wanting more. I can't wait to read more from this author, of course starting with the rest of this awesome series! I strongly recommend this amazing book!
I received an arc of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.
I have never read any of Allie Boniface’s books before Soldier of Love. It is the 5th book of the Hometown Heroes series. It was a great stand alone book as well. I didn’t feel confused from not reading the others in the series. This book was inspiring and heart touching. The struggle of PTSD is real, not just for military but anyone who goes through something traumatic and doesn’t know how to handle it. A vet struggling with PTSD falls in love with an unusual unique lady. How cute is that? The real life relationship struggles in this book are amazing. By far one of the best romances I have read lately. Not to mention the sex scenes in this book, steamy! I love that Allie Boniface added the dog into the story and how he became the vets service dog to help him through the battles of PTSD. Allie Boniface has become one of my favorite authors! If you are looking for a great military romance book with hot steamy scene this is the book for you! I received this book free from the publisher through Netgalley.
Two wounded souls, with nothing in common...or so they think...find each other and fall in love. Sound simple? It's anything but in this poignant, sweet, sexy and at times, heartbreaking story of Heath and Franny. Franny has a town full of people looking out for her, a few good friends and two businesses, but deep down she's lonely. Heath spent 17 years in the military but is home now, suffering from PTSD, which he thinks he can handle by himself. Through friendship, they help each other find the strength they both have buried inside. With love, they begin to heal. But can it last when people and circumstances get in the way. I think the author did a wonderful job with the imagery and setting of this story. The subtle focus of the lighthouse...always a beacon that brought ships home, the relationship between Heath and Bud, and Heath's reactions to outside stimuli are so well written. You feel every heart beat, every touch. I loved this book!
I received an ARC from Netgalley for an honest review...all opinions are my own
Soldier of Love is book seven in the Hometown Heroes series by Allie Boniface. Franny Thomas is a familiar sight in Lindsey Point. After a breakdown caused by a family tragedy, Franny ended up here and began running the bed and breakfast, Hideaway. After learning to bake, she started baking out of her house and one of her best customers was the Great White Bar and Grill. While delivering baked goods, she notices a man who is obviously an ex-soldier sitting by himself drinking coffee. While everyone else avoids him, she approaches and introduces herself and offers him a baked item. After talking to him, she offers him a trailer that sits behind her house and which she was thinking of converting to a honeymoon suite. Right now, it is empty and he is welcome to stay there. Her friends are very upset. They know nothing about this man. He could be a murderer or a robber and she is letting him stay at her house when right now there are no visitors! What happens?
I was so pleased to get this book and read Franny's story. She is that one character and friend you have that is just beautiful, quirky, and shy all at once, but you just would never trade her for anything. She may feel damaged and unworthy but is actually the one you can always count on to help when needed. Heath is the returning veteran that most would call suspiciously crazy but really isn't. He is the grounded, wounded soul that just needed to feel useful, wanted, and appreciated. I would call him family. These two make a great couple and found the other half of themselves. I just lived this story. The others are great don't get me wrong, but this one is the best of the bunch, hands down. Hats off to you for this dramatic, compelling, and heart-rendering love story anyone can read and not want to put down.
Wow! What a beautiful and amazing story. Heath Garrick didn't retire with 20 years, he left the Army after 17. With nowhere to call home and PTSD, Lindsey Point is as good a place to stay as anywhere. Franny Thompson runs The Hideaway, a bed and breakfast, which has been her salvation for the last 5 years when a family tragedy almost killed her. She recognizes Heath as a lonely soldier who needs a place to stay and a friend; however, their friendship quickly evolves into extreme passion but they will go thru a lot before the last page. Ms. Boniface writes with great knowledge and sensivity about PTSD. I highly recommend this book, the Hometown Heroes series and a few tissues!
Really good, heart-wrenching story. Heath survived fighting in the war but still wears the scars/wounds internally and Franny seems to be his healing balm. I think he’s a really great, chivalrous& hot guy, the kind that you know will have your back. I think Franny is a great catch for him but she’s overwhelmed by her business, her emotional baggage and the changes…as sweet as she is I wanted to shake her a few times, lol. Bud is a great and reflects outwardly the scars of Heath but also comforts Heath and shows him its okay to have scars, just don’t give up on life. Chloe was a pleasant surprise and I was glad Heath was finally able to be a Dad to her and experience her love for him.
This book wasn’t a bad story. In the world today we see too many soldiers who have no where to turn, or feel like they have no one to listen to them … if they dare discuss anything. After all, it could go on “their record.”
This story talks about two people who have been thought a lot. The soldier, Heath, with problems and not confortable discussing it. Franny, the owner of the bed & breakfast, lost so much over the last few years & learned how to survive.
Ms. Boniface brought a topic to the surface that needs to be safer for those handing PTSD to discuss without the fear & terror that so many have.
Franny and Heath were amazing in this book! It made me more aware to PTSD in soldiers in a more understanding way. I am more in awe of what they have, and continue to, sacrifice through their service. The healing of the characters and the love was stupendous. Allie Boniface continues to amaze me with the way she can suck me into her stories. Loved it! Book provided by author in exchange for an honest review.