Wedding a Warrior

Warrior #0.5

by Hannah R. Conway

Whitleigh Haynes wrestles with the boundaries of her limited faith after an unexpected marriage proposal leaves her wondering what to say to longtime boyfriend, Collier Cromwell, now Army soldier, who’s asking her to leave everything she’s ever known, loved, and planned.

Genres: Military Fiction, Romance, Christian, Contemporary

144 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 12, 2015

About the author

Hannah Conway is a military wife, mother of two, and speaker. Her novels are a deployment experience of their own, threaded with faith, and filled with twists and turns that are sure to thrill, and encourage. Hannah is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, and My Book Therapy. She and her family live in Tennessee.

Reviews

[Debbie DiFiore · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read these out of order

I am cleaning out my currently reading shelf and I found this story and I remember reading about this couple before when they were married. This is a before story and how he enlisted and she struggled with it. Then it showed the wedding and him going to Korea and her going to Honduras for a mission. Very religious content too. The story was very short and just okay. A little too sweet.

[Toni Shiloh · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting read. The best part for me was seeing Whitleigh grow in her faith as she navigated the challenges of life. It's nice to have a plan, but Whitleigh was letting it lead her life instead of enhance it. This was a nice short read.

[Lynda Knapp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book!

I thought Whit and Collier's story was quite good. The characters were realistic and the story was well-written. I do recommend this book.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wedding a Warrior by Hannah Conway is a short and sweet read about a group of college friends/room mates, their relationships but mostly about a young couple, Whitleigh Haynes and Collier Cromwell, in love and wanting to put Him first in all things.

Although, not quite the life they had planned, (following 9 1 1 Collier decides to join the Army which would make Whitleigh an Army wife when they wed, not 'if') things seem to be workable until at the last moment both Collier and Whitleigh are faced with a situation they didn't seem coming, weren't prepared for and both must come to terms with, but will this be the straw that breaks the camel's back, pushing them apart and her back into the arms of a former love.

But there is more to this story as Whitleigh works towards her future of becoming a teacher for young children, while volunteering at a local school, studying at college and working to pay for an upcoming missions trip, all carefully planned out and calculated on her best friend, her calendar.

Collier is off at Basic training, becoming all he can be for his country, and at the same time wanting to be all he can for his Lord and Saviour. He has come to terms with the future thrown at him by the army, and now must wait, hope and pray that Whit will see that their being together is still meant to be. God will make a way, she just has to take the first step. Will she be willing to do so?

Pick up this novella today and find out for yourself.

I enjoyed this book, as the story contained many lessons we can all learn, but the most important one, be open to God and all He wants for you, even when it means stepping out of your comfort zone.

I was given this book by bookfun.org in exchange for an honest review.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Wedding a Warrior” is a novella by Hannah Conway. The story is a sweet, light, easy to read romance. It is about a group of college friends and their relationships and decisions. Sometimes, just when a person thinks they have their whole life planned out, they get thrown a curve ball.
This is what Whitleigh experiences when her boyfriend, Collier, decides to join the Army. Not quite the “news” she was expecting to hear from him. So, does she follow her heart or does she follow her calendar? She has some tough choices to make and Collier waits faithfully as she ponders what she should do. Whit is a planner and likes to know exactly what is coming. She realizes life in the Army may not be quite as planned out as she likes. And what about finishing college, her volunteer work with children, and her desire to take a missions trip? If these are all good things, would God want her to give them up? To find out what her decisions are you will have to read the book.
I enjoyed the support Whitleigh received from her family and friends and how they built her up, encouraged her to seek God and His will for her. I felt like the biggest theme in “Wedding a Warrior” was that of obedience. This is a clean story, although it does contain a kiss or three. I received this book from The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest review.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this short and sweet book. I was captured from page one. I wish it could have even been longer, I wanted to know more about Whit, her parents, Collier ect.. I totally identified with Whit in her questioning God during her trails, but in the end, we realize GOD always has our best interests at heart even though we can not see it sometimes. This is why we must have faith in ALL things we give to HIM..we must place absolute trust in him as all things work to the good to those who believe in him. My fav quotes from the book were.."I want to roar, I want to live..really live, and do those things that scare me to death"..her mother says, "Then roar baby girl!"...Doing what God wants you to do may never be fun or easy but its where your gonna find joy and peace..You dont want things to go your way...its joy and peace that you want..."
I was very moved by this book. Though its short, its sweet and to the point, do we really need a drawn out story to tell us what we already sense is going on, where we know God wants to take us, to take the girl in the story? No, 139 pages really were enough for me! Loved it!

[Sharee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although Wedding a Warrior by Hannah Conway is actually the prequel to The Wounded Warrior’s Wife, it’s the second of her books that I’ve read. I truly enjoyed this series and am hoping there’s third book!

The relationship between Whitleigh and Collier is sweet and clean. It’s the tale of young love and the desire to follow God’s leading even if it means going in a different direction than planned. Although they love one another, they know they will never be satisfied either with each other, or apart, if they do not follow God’s calling for their lives.

Collier has a warrior’s heart and he knows what he needs to do but he longs for Whitleigh to be by his side. Yet he loves her enough to let her go if that’s what is best for her. Whitleigh has lived a life of preplanned, calendar events and does not like anything that’s not in the plan. She’s finding that loving a warrior means she’s also going to have to gain a courageous spirit.

What a great story to share the difficulties and adventures that military families endure. I loved it!

I received this book from the Book Club Network and the author in exchange for my honest opinion which I’ve provided here.

[Danielle Poll · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was great to read. It gave an insightful look into the life of a soldier (Collier Cromwell) and spouse to be (Whitleigh Haynes). It goes to show you that no matter how you have your life planned out, there may be something else in store, whether you think it's for the better or not.

I enjoyed reading this book because it was very relatable, even though I do not have someone who went to war. Many times I have made plans, and then realize that it was not what God planned and had to change my thinking accordingly. I know that in the end God's way is perfect and I want to follow where he leads. In the book, that is what Whitleigh and Collier had to do, trust that God's plans were bigger than their own.

I received a copy of this book through The Book Club Network, in exchange for my honest review. Reviews of this book were also posted on Amazon, bookfun.org, and my blog: https://booksreviewed4you.wordpress.com/.

[Anne Rightler · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Truth hurts. Truth stings.' Can Whitleigh, a young college girl who's life is driven by her 'highlighted, color-coded, and scheduled to perfection' calendar handle the truth that life just doesn't always follow her plans? That God is bigger than her plans? That He has so much more in store for her than her structured life might bring? Hannah Conway, herself an Army wife, has given readers a sweet, believable novella in Wedding a Warrior, bringing to light that the uncertainty of life, especially the life of becoming the wife of an Army man. Wedding a Warrior is a book about faith, about recognizing peace and joy come from being wiling to step out of structure and follow God's leading in life. A quick read you won't want to miss. I look forward to the sequel.
I received a copy of this book through The Book Club Network (bookfun.org) in exchange for my honest review. I have posted reviews on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Bookfun.org and GoodReads.

[Linda J.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wedding a Warrior is about a young college couple in love and contemplating marriage but also struggling to find what God wants for their lives. With Collier going off to join the military after 9/11, Whitleigh isn't sure this is the lifestyle she wants. She has her own dreams and ambitions of becoming a teacher. Traveling around the world as an army wife doesn't quite fit her plan. Could she even marry Collier knowing this wasn't what she wanted.
This story is one many young couples face today. We have our plans and don't always put our faith and trust in God that He is the One we need to depend on for answers and guidance. Waiting on the Lord may try our patience, but in the long run His plan will always find us where we need to be.

[Darlene Bochman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whitleigh has her life all planned out. She is sure her boyfriend, Collier, is going to propose to her. Instead he tells her that he has joined the Army. Whitleigh weighs her faith back and forth. Does she give up school and a mission trip to get married and move to Colorado? Then she finds out that Collier is being sent to another country. Whitleigh wrestles with a decision but finally decides to get married with just a few weeks to prepare. The book is a short read, but I wish there was more of a plot that kept you wanting to read more. I got this book free through BookFun.org, and was asked to give an honest review of the book.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this author's first novel and I loved this one too. It is a quick but engrossing read about two young people trying to find God's will in their lives and their relationship. The author also does a another wonderful job of capturing the things that those serving in our country's military are faced with. I definitely recommend this novella to anyone who enjoys good a Christian romance with a military theme.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished this book. It was a short novella full of passion and very thought provoking. It was even of more interest to me as I have a friend who's daughter is in a very similar situation. The novella was a very quick read, but very uplifting. It shows where our thoughts and priorities are and where they should be. I highly recommend this. You will not be sorry. This book was given to me in exchange for my honest review.

[Marylin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wedding a Warrior was a touching story of two people who struggle with their love for each other and the commitments they've made.
Can they truly make this relationship work, or will it fall apart before it's even begun?
Find out when you read this book written by a "new to me" author, Hannah R. Conway.
Her style is easy and flowing. I loved all the dialog and fun facts.
This book was given to me by the author for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Lori Weller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wedding a Warrior is a short and sweet story that packs a punch. It tells the story of two people in love with decisions to make about their future, both individually and together. It demonstrates the love, faith, and sacrifice involved in their lives.
I received this book from the Book Club Network in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Deanna Stevens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just when Whitleigh Haynes thinks she has her whole life planned out,
her boyfriend joins the Army and then tells her. A test of love and faith. A lovely, romantic story and I really enjoyed reading this book.

[Bhriv · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great job, Hannah Conway! Thoroughly enjoyed this story of so much emotion. Not knowing what God wants for ones life and putting your complete trust in Him that He has opened a door for a reason and to continue in faith. Can't wait to read the next one!!

[Bernice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wedding Warrior

Thankful for Christian authors that give romance reads along with Biblical teachings. Both my daughters married career military guys so this book hit home to the uncertainty of their family lives.

[Kimmie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pisitive book

Great book to help you remember Gods got this. It may not always be what you planned, but its what God knew was best for you. Great book, will definitely be getting the next one.

[Billie Conrad · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently read The Wounded Warrior's Wife by Hannah Conway and then I discovered this prequel. It was good to fill in some of the background and I almost wish I had read it first.

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

this story is one about how one young woman exceeded the fact of her of how life changes when the man she loves joins the armey.

[Amanda Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED it! Amazing story!

[Angie Thompson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it pretty well through most of the book, although I never felt like I connected deeply with the characters. There were a few scenes that bothered me--specifically the discussion in history class, which I came away from really confused about what the point was. And why on earth did Bryant kiss her immediately after reminding her how much she loved Collier? That made no sense at all. I was a bit concerned with how many times Whitleigh considered saying no just because part of the plan had changed. And the frank talk about temptations and how hard it was to wait for intimacy made me a bit uncomfortable, as did a scene where they were in bed together (after marriage and no intimacy, but it still felt like something I wouldn't want to walk in on).

Also, I have to admit that the preview chapter at the end made me look up the next book to see how their story continued, and I was really disappointed. It's definitely not the kind of story that I hoped for, and now I'm having a hard time not seeing this one through that lens. That's probably not fair, but it's really hard to help. :(

2.5 stars

Content--several kisses (not descriptive), including a forced kiss; mentions of intimacy after marriage and difficulty waiting; mentions of pornography and temptation; mention of kicking someone in the groin; a married couple seen cuddling in bed (no intimacy)

[Honeybee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tender and sweet

I got this ebook free from Amazon. It seemed like a different sort of contemporary fiction than what I usually read, and it’s always nice to sample new authors’ writings—especially when it doesn’t cost you to do so.

The characters in this book were sweet hometown Christians. Whitleigh is a college girl in love with her high school sweetheart. Collier is a bit older, but equally smitten with Whit. Challenges begin when Whit’s careful plans are interrupted by the attacks against US soil during 9/11. Collier feels called by God to enlist in the army. Whit has to choose between her comfortable life and carefully curated plans or walking by faith in support of her beloved’s mission.

Written by a military wife, this book shows the sacrifices made—not only by those in military service—but also the ones closest to them. It was great seeing Whit grow in faith and courage through this journey. The story is clean, and the characters (though not typical of most young people today) are patient, kind and loving. If you’re looking for a glimpse into the challenges faced by military couples, this book is a nice choice.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can You Start Your Lives Together Like This?

It was interesting following the struggle of a young college junior as she faced her future and the decisions she needed to make to have her dreams come true. This book is very well written and brought back many memories of when I was that age.

[Sheila Holmes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although the plot was pretty predictable, this novel was mildly entertaining. What I did appreciate about it was the spiritual input. This author gave Christ His proper place in the lives of the two main characters. A sweet story.

[Mary Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whitleigh Haynes wrestles with the boundaries of her limited faith after an unexpected marriage proposal leaves her wondering what to say to longtime boyfriend, Collier Cromwell, now Army soldier, who’s asking her to leave everything she’s ever known, loved, and planned.

[Gail Midgette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the story. Wish it had been longer. Can't wait to read the next one. Thank you for including faith throughout the book. Please continue writing more clean and wholesome books for everyone to enjoy.

[Ruth Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recommend

Awesome story about trusting God and trusting your faith. We should pray daily for our service men and women and “Thank them for their service!”

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can love be enough?
This is a short story that speaks about young love and facing life’s choices. It is so relevant in this current world we live in as it centers on a young man choosing to enter the military and serve his country instead of finishing college. He feels strongly that he must follow his heart to do what he feels he is destined to accomplish. His young girlfriend, who had her life mapped out already, struggles with his decision to change their world. It is a story full of so many struggles that every young person faces when they reach the junctions in their lives that forces them to evaluate their principles and faith and stand up for what they believe in. Everyone must find their own path and learn to be happy with the decisions they make. I really enjoyed getting to know the characters and felt myself cheering them on as they made their decisions. I would love to have more stories surrounding this young couple as they maneuver through life.
I received this book from BookFun.org in exchange for my honest review.