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Heart of a Hero #2
An Everyday Hero
From award-winning author Laura Trentham comes an emotionally layered novel about redemption, second chances and discovering that life is worth fighting for.
At thirty, Greer Hadley never expected to be forced home to Madison, Tennessee with her life and dreams of being a songwriter up in flames. To make matters worse, a series of bad decisions and even crappier luck lands her community service hours at a nonprofit organization that aids veterans and their families. Greer cannot fathom how she’s supposed to use music to help anyone deal with their trauma and loss when the one thing that brought her joy has failed her.
When Greer meets fifteen-year-old Ally Martinez, her plans to stay detached and do as little as possible get thrown away. New to town and dealing with the death of her father in action, she hides her emotions behind a mask of bitterness and sarcasm, but Greer is able to see past it and recognizes pieces of who she once was in Ally. The raw and obvious talent she possesses could take her to the top and Greer vows to make sure life’s negativities don’t derail Ally’s potential.
After Greer is assigned a veteran to help, she’s not surprised Emmett Lawson, the town’s golden boy, followed his family’s legacy. What leaves her shocked is the shell of a man who believes he doesn’t deserve anyone’s help. A breakthrough with Ally reminds Greer that no one is worth giving up on. So she shows up one day with his old guitar, and meets Emmett’s rage head on with her stubbornness. When a situation with Ally becomes dire, the two of them must become a team to save her—and along the way they might just save themselves too.
327 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 4, 2020
37 people are currently reading
3028 people want to read
About the author
Laura Trentham
43 books912 followersAuthor of smart, sexy Southern contemporary romance, Regency historicals, & heartfelt Women's Fiction
Series include:
Sweet Home Alabama
Cottonbloom
Spies and Lovers
Heart of a Hero
Highland, Georgia
Series include:
Sweet Home Alabama
Cottonbloom
Spies and Lovers
Heart of a Hero
Highland, Georgia
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 422 reviews
February 2, 2020
An Everyday Hero by Laura Trentham
Heartbreaking, heartwarming and so emotionally lovely.
This author does romance right. Imperfections and issues are just stepping stones to finding the perfect connections that can bloom into love.
Lots of tears for me. Some sad but mostly emotionally healing. A clean romance.
A truly phenomenal read.
Greer left Nashville, broke and discouraged. Her belief in her singing career has been crushed. Volunteering at the local music center is the last thing she wants to do.
Emmett lost his leg on his last deployment. Hiding in the family remote cabin, he wants nothing to do with his family or friends. Then Greer shows up and kicks his sulking out of the trenches. A lost kitten adds to his responsibility and his momentum flips to a healthier outlook.
Loved it.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley. I also purchased a copy to share.
Heartbreaking, heartwarming and so emotionally lovely.
This author does romance right. Imperfections and issues are just stepping stones to finding the perfect connections that can bloom into love.
Lots of tears for me. Some sad but mostly emotionally healing. A clean romance.
A truly phenomenal read.
Greer left Nashville, broke and discouraged. Her belief in her singing career has been crushed. Volunteering at the local music center is the last thing she wants to do.
Emmett lost his leg on his last deployment. Hiding in the family remote cabin, he wants nothing to do with his family or friends. Then Greer shows up and kicks his sulking out of the trenches. A lost kitten adds to his responsibility and his momentum flips to a healthier outlook.
Loved it.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley. I also purchased a copy to share.
February 5, 2020
Favorite Quotes:
The impulse to punch Wayne in the face simmered below the surface like a volcano no longer at rest… Dressed in his tan uniform, Wayne adjusted his heavy gun belt so often she imagined he got off every night by rubbing his gun. Giving him a badge had only empowered the part of him desperate for respect and approval. His nickname in high school, “the Weasel,” had been well earned.
Her dream of hearing one of her songs on the radio had died. Not in a blaze of glory but from a slow, torturous starvation of hope.
Look up “busybody” and Justine Danvers’s portrait would be printed in all its glory, toothy grin included at no extra charge. She’d been left a widow by her wealthy husband in her early thirties and had never remarried, but not for a lack of trying.
The first pawnshop he hit was seedy, with no sign or memory of Greer’s guitar. By the third shop, he decided all pawnshops had a melancholy air no matter how bright or clean or welcoming. It emanated from the items for sale. Items parted from their owners because of hard times and necessity.
I was a goner when you informed me in no uncertain terms that I needed better manners and a bath.” “If only I’d known that’s how to attract nice guys, I would have turned to insults years ago.”
My Review:
I fell right into this story on the first few pages and was reluctant to reemerge. I adored these fractured yet big-hearted characters, they were common yet atypical, realistically drawn, peculiarly appealing, decidedly flawed, and oddly irresistible. I was drawn to them and intrigued by their tale. The storylines were original, engaging, and well-crafted. The talented Ms. Trentham’s smooth writing was well-paced, unpredictable, cleverly amusing, and hit all the feels and then some. I can’t wait to see what she does next with this all too relevant and heart-squeezing series.
The impulse to punch Wayne in the face simmered below the surface like a volcano no longer at rest… Dressed in his tan uniform, Wayne adjusted his heavy gun belt so often she imagined he got off every night by rubbing his gun. Giving him a badge had only empowered the part of him desperate for respect and approval. His nickname in high school, “the Weasel,” had been well earned.
Her dream of hearing one of her songs on the radio had died. Not in a blaze of glory but from a slow, torturous starvation of hope.
Look up “busybody” and Justine Danvers’s portrait would be printed in all its glory, toothy grin included at no extra charge. She’d been left a widow by her wealthy husband in her early thirties and had never remarried, but not for a lack of trying.
The first pawnshop he hit was seedy, with no sign or memory of Greer’s guitar. By the third shop, he decided all pawnshops had a melancholy air no matter how bright or clean or welcoming. It emanated from the items for sale. Items parted from their owners because of hard times and necessity.
I was a goner when you informed me in no uncertain terms that I needed better manners and a bath.” “If only I’d known that’s how to attract nice guys, I would have turned to insults years ago.”
My Review:
I fell right into this story on the first few pages and was reluctant to reemerge. I adored these fractured yet big-hearted characters, they were common yet atypical, realistically drawn, peculiarly appealing, decidedly flawed, and oddly irresistible. I was drawn to them and intrigued by their tale. The storylines were original, engaging, and well-crafted. The talented Ms. Trentham’s smooth writing was well-paced, unpredictable, cleverly amusing, and hit all the feels and then some. I can’t wait to see what she does next with this all too relevant and heart-squeezing series.
February 4, 2020
With having read The Military Wife and absolutely loved... naturally I had to read the second in the series. Mind you they can definitely both be standalone novels.
An Everyday Hero is a touching tale that reminds us of the physical, emotional, and psychological effects of war on those that are/haved served in the military as well as their families. This novel is really close to my heart because my husband recently joined the Navy and was deployed early this year. I have an ultimate understanding and respect for those that serve for our country along with the family members.
This book explores the powerful nature of healing through friendships, love, trust, and music. Trentham is just an amazing storyteller and I get so lost and absorbed in her books. I was having a hard time with my husband leaving and this book made the days a little less hard the week that he left... so thank you to Trentham for this piece that will truly always have a spot in my heart.
I highly recommend checking out this series and cannot wait to see the next installment.
5 stars!
Thank you to the publisher for an arc in exchange for my honest review.
Pub day: 2/4/20
Published to GR: 2/3/20
An Everyday Hero is a touching tale that reminds us of the physical, emotional, and psychological effects of war on those that are/haved served in the military as well as their families. This novel is really close to my heart because my husband recently joined the Navy and was deployed early this year. I have an ultimate understanding and respect for those that serve for our country along with the family members.
This book explores the powerful nature of healing through friendships, love, trust, and music. Trentham is just an amazing storyteller and I get so lost and absorbed in her books. I was having a hard time with my husband leaving and this book made the days a little less hard the week that he left... so thank you to Trentham for this piece that will truly always have a spot in my heart.
I highly recommend checking out this series and cannot wait to see the next installment.
5 stars!
Thank you to the publisher for an arc in exchange for my honest review.
Pub day: 2/4/20
Published to GR: 2/3/20
June 27, 2021
An Everyday Hero by Laura Trentham is the second book in the contemporary romance Heart of a Hero series. This contemporary romance series is centered around characters having involvement in the U.S. military. And the series can all be read as a standalone if choosing to do so with each book having new main characters.
Greer Hadley has wanted to be a songwriter and now at thirty is seeing that dream slip through her fingers as each day passes. To make matters worse at this low time in Greer’s life she has been sentenced to community service. Greer gets sent to a nonprofit that works with veterans and their families telling her that she can use her music to help.
After arriving at the non profit Greer gets paired up with a troubled teen that hasn’t responded to anyone else. At fifteen, Ally Martinez, is dealing with the loss of her father in action and acting out and Greer sees parts of herself in the young girl. Greer also is assigned Emmett Lawson, once the town’s golden boy but now the shell of his former self after his time in the service. As day’s pass Greer finds herself growing closer to them both.
The Heart of a Hero series is the type of books that will take readers on an emotional roller coaster. Reading about these characters and their pain as they rebuild their lives I found it was smart to keep some tissues handy at all times. I loved watching the story unfold and the emotional and physical growth. I’m not sure if there will be any more books to the series but having loved the first two it would be one I’d happily come back to if there were.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Greer Hadley has wanted to be a songwriter and now at thirty is seeing that dream slip through her fingers as each day passes. To make matters worse at this low time in Greer’s life she has been sentenced to community service. Greer gets sent to a nonprofit that works with veterans and their families telling her that she can use her music to help.
After arriving at the non profit Greer gets paired up with a troubled teen that hasn’t responded to anyone else. At fifteen, Ally Martinez, is dealing with the loss of her father in action and acting out and Greer sees parts of herself in the young girl. Greer also is assigned Emmett Lawson, once the town’s golden boy but now the shell of his former self after his time in the service. As day’s pass Greer finds herself growing closer to them both.
The Heart of a Hero series is the type of books that will take readers on an emotional roller coaster. Reading about these characters and their pain as they rebuild their lives I found it was smart to keep some tissues handy at all times. I loved watching the story unfold and the emotional and physical growth. I’m not sure if there will be any more books to the series but having loved the first two it would be one I’d happily come back to if there were.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
November 22, 2019
Awesome story! I luv how much they grew through their love.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I can’t believe I’ve never read a story by this author before. When I read the synopsis there was no question about excepting this review. And I’m so glad I did.
I immediately connected with Emmett. I have intimate knowledge of a lot of what he was going through from personal knowledge and I was impressed by the authors detail of his anger, frustration, and pain.
I also really enjoyed Greer. She was unique and chose to enjoy life with a bit of a sarcastic yet humorous twist. She had her own struggles but she could be supportive yet not let anyone get away with self-pity.
The story was wonderfully unique and I just loved watching the transformation of the people in the story. The author did a beautiful job crafting her characters so carefully that just very simple loving acts and friendship could change someone else so completely.
This book is lovingly written and it leaves you feeling amazing when you’re done. It’s a happy, joyful story that ends beautifully. Not to be missed if you love clean romances written with exquisite detail.
* copy received for review consideration
Full review - https://amidlifewife.com/an-everyday-...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I can’t believe I’ve never read a story by this author before. When I read the synopsis there was no question about excepting this review. And I’m so glad I did.
I immediately connected with Emmett. I have intimate knowledge of a lot of what he was going through from personal knowledge and I was impressed by the authors detail of his anger, frustration, and pain.
I also really enjoyed Greer. She was unique and chose to enjoy life with a bit of a sarcastic yet humorous twist. She had her own struggles but she could be supportive yet not let anyone get away with self-pity.
The story was wonderfully unique and I just loved watching the transformation of the people in the story. The author did a beautiful job crafting her characters so carefully that just very simple loving acts and friendship could change someone else so completely.
This book is lovingly written and it leaves you feeling amazing when you’re done. It’s a happy, joyful story that ends beautifully. Not to be missed if you love clean romances written with exquisite detail.
* copy received for review consideration
Full review - https://amidlifewife.com/an-everyday-...
February 16, 2020
3.5 Stars ⭐️
January 8, 2020
I was SO not expecting to like this book, An Everyday Hero. Like the main character, I’ve had enough of endless, mindless wars. I’m a Colonel’s wife and an Air Force brat and I have been faced with its horrors for far too long. I assumed that this book would be another sappy, propagandist piece of tripe. Let me assure you and loudly admit – I was WRONG!
Greer Hadley is like so many young women with dreams of stardom and stars in their eyes. She set off for Nashville with a golden voice and hope as big as the ocean. However, after years of trying for that “big break” and being left with nothing except anxiety disorder, she heads home to a place she swore she would never return. After a bar crawl, she is ordered to do community service which just happens to be a music as therapy center. There Greer comes in contact with people who will change her life: a young teen with a huge chip on her shoulder named Ally and a wounded vet who is battling demons that may be to large for he or Greer to handle. What happens within the story is a beautiful unfolding of drama, hope, second chances and the will to rise up from the ashes.
Trentham is a master storyteller whose gift of prose shines throughout this book. There are so many opportunities for the story to turn cheesy and into a Hallmark moment, but she deftly guides the story line back to reality. I don’t read books about military personnel because that is a life I’ve lived for far too long but An Everyday Hero struck a chord so deep within me that I could not put down the book from its beginning to its end. It has three very strong, realistic, well developed characters with whom I connected and wanted to know more about. Their stories are compelling and I know you will love them as much as I did.
An Everyday Hero is slated to be published in February. It’s well worth putting on your TBR list now.
From award-winning author Laura Trentham comes an emotionally layered novel about redemption, second chances and discovering that life is worth fighting for.
Greer Hadley is like so many young women with dreams of stardom and stars in their eyes. She set off for Nashville with a golden voice and hope as big as the ocean. However, after years of trying for that “big break” and being left with nothing except anxiety disorder, she heads home to a place she swore she would never return. After a bar crawl, she is ordered to do community service which just happens to be a music as therapy center. There Greer comes in contact with people who will change her life: a young teen with a huge chip on her shoulder named Ally and a wounded vet who is battling demons that may be to large for he or Greer to handle. What happens within the story is a beautiful unfolding of drama, hope, second chances and the will to rise up from the ashes.
Trentham is a master storyteller whose gift of prose shines throughout this book. There are so many opportunities for the story to turn cheesy and into a Hallmark moment, but she deftly guides the story line back to reality. I don’t read books about military personnel because that is a life I’ve lived for far too long but An Everyday Hero struck a chord so deep within me that I could not put down the book from its beginning to its end. It has three very strong, realistic, well developed characters with whom I connected and wanted to know more about. Their stories are compelling and I know you will love them as much as I did.
An Everyday Hero is slated to be published in February. It’s well worth putting on your TBR list now.
February 2, 2020
Heartfelt, uplifting, and sweetly romantic!
An Everyday Hero is a compelling, touching tale that reminds us of the enduring emotional, physical, and psychological effects of war on those in the military and their families and highlights the incredible healing power that friendship, trust, love, and music can have.
The prose is clear and fluid. The characters are wounded, stubborn, and empathetic. And the story is a beautiful tale about life, loss, grief, family, ambition, forgiveness, introspection, patriotism, community, PTSD, pride, resilience, and love.
Overall, An Everyday Hero is another emotional, absorbing, enchanting tale by Trentham that is a wonderful addition to a series, A Heart of a Hero, that is quickly becoming one of my all-time favourites.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
An Everyday Hero is a compelling, touching tale that reminds us of the enduring emotional, physical, and psychological effects of war on those in the military and their families and highlights the incredible healing power that friendship, trust, love, and music can have.
The prose is clear and fluid. The characters are wounded, stubborn, and empathetic. And the story is a beautiful tale about life, loss, grief, family, ambition, forgiveness, introspection, patriotism, community, PTSD, pride, resilience, and love.
Overall, An Everyday Hero is another emotional, absorbing, enchanting tale by Trentham that is a wonderful addition to a series, A Heart of a Hero, that is quickly becoming one of my all-time favourites.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 5, 2020
There was nothing average about this second instalment in Laura Trentham’s A Heart of a Hero series. Book one knocked my socks off and book two solidified my commitment and affection for this series. This is a multi-dimensional read that is small town but big impression.
I was expecting to see a link to the previous book but this is not an interconnected standalone, it is a true standalone, connected in the series by the theme of military heroes. For a quick moment, I was disappointed about this, but I got into the story so quickly that I ended up entranced by the characters and forgot about the series connection.
The protagonist was washed-up muscian Greer, who found herself forced into volunteering at a music centre. Somehow she was put on the case of Emmett, a veteran with one less limb, who had given up on life and people. This was a realistic, quietly impactful story as these two navigated returning to living. Remember how I said it was multi-dimensional? There was a 15 year old Ally, who was a key character in the picture, as well as horses and a kitten that I pretty much want to come and live with me.
Emmett wrapped his arms around the horse’s neck, embarrassing tears pricking his eyes. He hadn’t cried before or after his amputation. He hadn’t cried the first time he tried to walk on the prosthetic. He hadn’t cried the day he received his discharge papers. But with his face buried in the mane of his best childhood friend, tears leaked out.
Suffice it to say, this heartwarming story has all the feels and is almost guarenteed to make your eyes leak. On top of that, Greer was a snarky, no prisoners type of character. I just got on so well with reading about her and her attempts to draw Emmett and Ally out, that I was a complete fan of this book and Laura Trentham’s style of writing.
This isn’t a dramatic, high action military romance, it is the quiet, sneak up on your feelings type and I couldn’t be happier about that.
Thank you to St Martin’s Griffin for the early review copy.
This review can be found on A Take From Two Cities.
I was expecting to see a link to the previous book but this is not an interconnected standalone, it is a true standalone, connected in the series by the theme of military heroes. For a quick moment, I was disappointed about this, but I got into the story so quickly that I ended up entranced by the characters and forgot about the series connection.
The protagonist was washed-up muscian Greer, who found herself forced into volunteering at a music centre. Somehow she was put on the case of Emmett, a veteran with one less limb, who had given up on life and people. This was a realistic, quietly impactful story as these two navigated returning to living. Remember how I said it was multi-dimensional? There was a 15 year old Ally, who was a key character in the picture, as well as horses and a kitten that I pretty much want to come and live with me.
Emmett wrapped his arms around the horse’s neck, embarrassing tears pricking his eyes. He hadn’t cried before or after his amputation. He hadn’t cried the first time he tried to walk on the prosthetic. He hadn’t cried the day he received his discharge papers. But with his face buried in the mane of his best childhood friend, tears leaked out.
Suffice it to say, this heartwarming story has all the feels and is almost guarenteed to make your eyes leak. On top of that, Greer was a snarky, no prisoners type of character. I just got on so well with reading about her and her attempts to draw Emmett and Ally out, that I was a complete fan of this book and Laura Trentham’s style of writing.
This isn’t a dramatic, high action military romance, it is the quiet, sneak up on your feelings type and I couldn’t be happier about that.
Thank you to St Martin’s Griffin for the early review copy.
This review can be found on A Take From Two Cities.
December 7, 2023
**An Everyday Hero generously provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.**
5 "Maybe I will." Stars
This was my first Laura Trentham women's fiction novel and will not be my last. Intrigued by the blurb I went into this book completely blind and came away from reading it with a lighter heart. The timing of me reading this novel full of despair turned into hope and survival could not have come at a better time for me. There was familiar about the themes of the story that I could totally relate to making it that much more easy to read and love.
The slow burn, fade-to-black romance created an intimate tie to the two protagonists and the circumstances of their unraveling lives. The beautifully fragile connections between the woman protagonist and the girl she meets through volunteering added an extra layer of depth and vulnerability to her character that made her more human, decent, and understandable. The writing was beautiful and engaging that help build the plot of the story and keep it moving forward. Infused with banter and humor and love An Everyday Hero remained low angst and drama making it more of a learning experience with so much development in the characters it was refreshing.
This is a lovely story of reckoning one's growth as a human through tragedy and heartbreak told in a remember your roots when you gain your wings and full of redemption. It's becoming attuned to ones whole self and feeling deserved to be the best human you possibly can. It's a reminder of to wade through shadows to find your light. It's uplifting and gracefully told by this talented new-to-me author. I'm so happy to have read it and I can't wait to dive into more of Laura Trentham's books.
5 "Maybe I will." Stars
This was my first Laura Trentham women's fiction novel and will not be my last. Intrigued by the blurb I went into this book completely blind and came away from reading it with a lighter heart. The timing of me reading this novel full of despair turned into hope and survival could not have come at a better time for me. There was familiar about the themes of the story that I could totally relate to making it that much more easy to read and love.
The slow burn, fade-to-black romance created an intimate tie to the two protagonists and the circumstances of their unraveling lives. The beautifully fragile connections between the woman protagonist and the girl she meets through volunteering added an extra layer of depth and vulnerability to her character that made her more human, decent, and understandable. The writing was beautiful and engaging that help build the plot of the story and keep it moving forward. Infused with banter and humor and love An Everyday Hero remained low angst and drama making it more of a learning experience with so much development in the characters it was refreshing.
This is a lovely story of reckoning one's growth as a human through tragedy and heartbreak told in a remember your roots when you gain your wings and full of redemption. It's becoming attuned to ones whole self and feeling deserved to be the best human you possibly can. It's a reminder of to wade through shadows to find your light. It's uplifting and gracefully told by this talented new-to-me author. I'm so happy to have read it and I can't wait to dive into more of Laura Trentham's books.
April 1, 2020
Laura Trentham is my "go to" author when I need a well written, easy to read book to give me a break from the troublesome news of the world.
Laura Trentham's latest book, AN EVERYDAY HERO, has a beautiful cover with three empty adirondack chairs facing a body of water where an attractive lady appears to be wading towards the grove of trees on the opposite shore.
Greer Hadley is in "deep water". She is thirty-years-old, failed to ''make it big" in Nashville, is broke and back home living with her parents in Madison, Tennessee. She has no education beyond high school, has no job or job prospects, and is in court for losing her temper and destroying property at Becky's Bar and Grill. She is sentenced to fifty community service hours at The Music Tree Foundation, a nonprofit organization that aids veterans and their families. Life looks bleak.
"Greer cannot fathom how she's supposed to help anyone deal with their trauma and loss when everything that brought her joy has failed her.
Then Greer meets fifteen-year-old Ally Martinez, a gifted girl who lost her father in action and now hides her pain behind a mask of sarcasm. But Greer sees something undeniable that she can't walk away from. To make matters more complicated, Greer find herself spending more and more time with Emmett Lawson – a man with both physical and emotional scars of his own. When a situation with Ally becomes dire, the two of them must become a team to save her – and along the way, they might just save themselves too."
- Quote from the back cover
Once again Laura Trentham has "real life" characters that I could easily pick out in crowd. I liked Greer, Emmett, Ally, Amelia, Judge Bill Duckett, Becky, Edgar, Greer's supportive parents, and Bonnie, the kitten. I disliked Beau, and Deputy Wayne Peeler (nicknamed "the Weasel".
Although I was concerned about Ally, her mother Karen, Emmett, and his mother, and their hardships and burdens, there was enough humour sprinkled throughout to "lighten" mood.
The storylines were well laid out and the pace of the story was "right on".
I enjoyed reading this emotionally layered novel about redemption, second chances, and discovering that life is worth fighting for. 5 stars ⭐️️⭐️️⭐️️⭐️️⭐️️
Laura Trentham's latest book, AN EVERYDAY HERO, has a beautiful cover with three empty adirondack chairs facing a body of water where an attractive lady appears to be wading towards the grove of trees on the opposite shore.
Greer Hadley is in "deep water". She is thirty-years-old, failed to ''make it big" in Nashville, is broke and back home living with her parents in Madison, Tennessee. She has no education beyond high school, has no job or job prospects, and is in court for losing her temper and destroying property at Becky's Bar and Grill. She is sentenced to fifty community service hours at The Music Tree Foundation, a nonprofit organization that aids veterans and their families. Life looks bleak.
"Greer cannot fathom how she's supposed to help anyone deal with their trauma and loss when everything that brought her joy has failed her.
Then Greer meets fifteen-year-old Ally Martinez, a gifted girl who lost her father in action and now hides her pain behind a mask of sarcasm. But Greer sees something undeniable that she can't walk away from. To make matters more complicated, Greer find herself spending more and more time with Emmett Lawson – a man with both physical and emotional scars of his own. When a situation with Ally becomes dire, the two of them must become a team to save her – and along the way, they might just save themselves too."
- Quote from the back cover
Once again Laura Trentham has "real life" characters that I could easily pick out in crowd. I liked Greer, Emmett, Ally, Amelia, Judge Bill Duckett, Becky, Edgar, Greer's supportive parents, and Bonnie, the kitten. I disliked Beau, and Deputy Wayne Peeler (nicknamed "the Weasel".
Although I was concerned about Ally, her mother Karen, Emmett, and his mother, and their hardships and burdens, there was enough humour sprinkled throughout to "lighten" mood.
The storylines were well laid out and the pace of the story was "right on".
I enjoyed reading this emotionally layered novel about redemption, second chances, and discovering that life is worth fighting for. 5 stars ⭐️️⭐️️⭐️️⭐️️⭐️️
February 5, 2020
I received a free electronic copy of this novel on October 5, 2019, from Netgalley, Laura Trentham, and St. Martin's Press - Griffin. Thank you all for sharing your hard work with me. I have read An Everyday Hero of my own volition, and this review reflects my honest personal opinion of this work. I am pleased to recommend An Everyday Hero to friends and family.
Laura Trentham brings us a novel with fully rounded protagonists facing relevant, modern problems and handling them with grace and conviction. An Everyday Hero is an interesting, fast-paced feel-good read. Set for the most part in Madison, Tennessee we see daily life in this small town near Nashville and peek into the life of a musician/songwriter, and that of a recently returned military vet trying to recover from his injuries and rebuild his life and help the widow and child of one of his men find a way back into their lives without him.
pub date Feb 4, 2020
rec Oct 5, 2019
St. Martin's Press - Griffin
Reviewed on Goodreads and Netgalley on October 15, 2019. Reviewed on Feb 5, 2020, on AmazonSmile, Barnes&Noble, BookBub, Kobo, and GooglePlay.
Laura Trentham brings us a novel with fully rounded protagonists facing relevant, modern problems and handling them with grace and conviction. An Everyday Hero is an interesting, fast-paced feel-good read. Set for the most part in Madison, Tennessee we see daily life in this small town near Nashville and peek into the life of a musician/songwriter, and that of a recently returned military vet trying to recover from his injuries and rebuild his life and help the widow and child of one of his men find a way back into their lives without him.
pub date Feb 4, 2020
rec Oct 5, 2019
St. Martin's Press - Griffin
Reviewed on Goodreads and Netgalley on October 15, 2019. Reviewed on Feb 5, 2020, on AmazonSmile, Barnes&Noble, BookBub, Kobo, and GooglePlay.
May 14, 2020
Have had this wonderful book for awhile and have been anxious to get into it. Life (or a stack of TBRs) somehow got in the way. Finally, I sat down and read it from start to finish in one swoop. My review will be short and sweet and to the point -- too many others to get read.
A lovely story with such likable characters. This is my second book by Laura Trentham (The Military Wife) and this was my favorite. Her writing reminds me a lot of Katherine Center's. Nice flow, well-paced and beautiful language. Will definitely be reading other books by this author.
A lovely story with such likable characters. This is my second book by Laura Trentham (The Military Wife) and this was my favorite. Her writing reminds me a lot of Katherine Center's. Nice flow, well-paced and beautiful language. Will definitely be reading other books by this author.
February 16, 2020
Her music dried up and her boyfriend cheated making her a country song cliche while his all-American red white and blue bled out leaving him broken. Does life have a new chance for them? I saw the heartfelt blurb on this one and thought it was long past time for me to try this new to me author who gets to the heart of what makes a hero in her romances.
An Everyday Hero is the second installment in this series of standalone romances. I started with this one and couldn't even tell you if it had any connection at all to the previous book so it can definitely be read out of order.
An Everyday Hero opens with Greer Hadley standing before the judge shamed at her recent descent to rock bottom and shocked at the sentence she receives- fifty hours at a non-profit music therapy organization for working with military vets and families. Her music and her dreams dried up in Nashville and she walked away from it all, but a troubling first session with a teen girl who lost her dad and she sees her own troubled teen self in the girl. Then she gets assigned a reclusive military vet who is an amputee and struggling with survivor's guilt. He was once the most popular guy at school and her own secret crush. She didn't think she had anything to offer others, but finds her own brand of sarcasm and offbeat ways are just what these two people who don't want pity or fake care need. And, as she tries with them, she learns that Ally and Emmet might be just what she needs to find her way.
Emmet Lawson came back when others did not. He should be grateful, but instead he doesn't see the point and wishes it had been him who was left dead back in the desert. He uses the old family cabin and sits in his rocker drinking his meals. Then feisty Greer shows up and won't be driven away by his snarl and shotgun. She challenges him and he slowly starts taking an interest so that he is soon challenging her with her issues as well. A shift happens in his mind as he starts taking an interest in his family, the family horse farm, and most definitely Greer. Could she ever see him as more than a friend?
There is so much to absorb in this book. It's a romance, but it is also the comeback stories for three hurting people. Loss and recovery is a huge pair of elements. Finding one's self and learning to allow others in the support is also there. Military sacrifices both by a soldier and a soldier's family. A love for music and the healing it brings. And, yes, romance.
Both Greer and Emmet are really wallowing when the story begins. They have good reasons to feel beaten down and bruised of heart. But then Greer becomes the catalyst for assisting Aly and then Emmet. As they come out of their internal exiles, they turn it around and start pulling Greer out of her troubles. It was neat to see them all helping each other and then seeing the supporting love of family and friends around them. The emphasis on coping with grief and loss is huge and I liked how the author handled that with an intimate knowledge of the military life for soldiers and families. I appreciated that she got them on the road to recovery before things shifted between Greer and Emmet into acting on their attraction and their feelings for each other.
It was gently-paced and very much so character-driven. I found it full of depth and rich in thoughtful moments. It was a heartwarming and eventually feel-good romance and come-back story. I loved this first occasion to read the author's work and it will definitely be followed up with more. I can definitely recommend this book to military romance and small town romance fans who enjoy spicy, character-driven romance.
My thanks to St. Martin's for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
An Everyday Hero is the second installment in this series of standalone romances. I started with this one and couldn't even tell you if it had any connection at all to the previous book so it can definitely be read out of order.
An Everyday Hero opens with Greer Hadley standing before the judge shamed at her recent descent to rock bottom and shocked at the sentence she receives- fifty hours at a non-profit music therapy organization for working with military vets and families. Her music and her dreams dried up in Nashville and she walked away from it all, but a troubling first session with a teen girl who lost her dad and she sees her own troubled teen self in the girl. Then she gets assigned a reclusive military vet who is an amputee and struggling with survivor's guilt. He was once the most popular guy at school and her own secret crush. She didn't think she had anything to offer others, but finds her own brand of sarcasm and offbeat ways are just what these two people who don't want pity or fake care need. And, as she tries with them, she learns that Ally and Emmet might be just what she needs to find her way.
Emmet Lawson came back when others did not. He should be grateful, but instead he doesn't see the point and wishes it had been him who was left dead back in the desert. He uses the old family cabin and sits in his rocker drinking his meals. Then feisty Greer shows up and won't be driven away by his snarl and shotgun. She challenges him and he slowly starts taking an interest so that he is soon challenging her with her issues as well. A shift happens in his mind as he starts taking an interest in his family, the family horse farm, and most definitely Greer. Could she ever see him as more than a friend?
There is so much to absorb in this book. It's a romance, but it is also the comeback stories for three hurting people. Loss and recovery is a huge pair of elements. Finding one's self and learning to allow others in the support is also there. Military sacrifices both by a soldier and a soldier's family. A love for music and the healing it brings. And, yes, romance.
Both Greer and Emmet are really wallowing when the story begins. They have good reasons to feel beaten down and bruised of heart. But then Greer becomes the catalyst for assisting Aly and then Emmet. As they come out of their internal exiles, they turn it around and start pulling Greer out of her troubles. It was neat to see them all helping each other and then seeing the supporting love of family and friends around them. The emphasis on coping with grief and loss is huge and I liked how the author handled that with an intimate knowledge of the military life for soldiers and families. I appreciated that she got them on the road to recovery before things shifted between Greer and Emmet into acting on their attraction and their feelings for each other.
It was gently-paced and very much so character-driven. I found it full of depth and rich in thoughtful moments. It was a heartwarming and eventually feel-good romance and come-back story. I loved this first occasion to read the author's work and it will definitely be followed up with more. I can definitely recommend this book to military romance and small town romance fans who enjoy spicy, character-driven romance.
My thanks to St. Martin's for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 2, 2020
This is a very heartwarming story with lives that intersect each other from various points. There are some hardships, heartbreak, learning to live again, learning to trust yourself, and love.
I enjoyed this book more than I ever expected. I love music and always appreciate what it must take for songs to be written, melodies composed to accompany those lyrics, and the anguish composers sometimes feel watching their words transform into works of art.
Emmett is dealing with demons from the attack that caused him to lose one of his soldiers and part of his leg. I think anyone would be able to relate to this, thinking that you didn't do everything you could have to prevent this from happening.
Greer has her demons from panicking on stage despite her love for playing and singing. It could happen to the best of us but one event is no reason to give it all up. The community service she is assigned with a music foundation is one thing that helps her realize that music is in her blood and she can't just give it all up for one night.
Ally is a teen that has lost her dad and is assigned to Greer at the foundation. I really fell in love with Ally and her tough spirit but a softness that was hidden beneath that tough exterior. She is a no nonsense type of young woman. I enjoyed watching her bloom and transform over the course of the book.
There are various other characters that play a supporting role to these three main characters such as Emmett's parents. Both of them have some issues to address as well which blends in beautifully with the story.
This book will touch your heart and I recommend it to all.
I enjoyed this book more than I ever expected. I love music and always appreciate what it must take for songs to be written, melodies composed to accompany those lyrics, and the anguish composers sometimes feel watching their words transform into works of art.
Emmett is dealing with demons from the attack that caused him to lose one of his soldiers and part of his leg. I think anyone would be able to relate to this, thinking that you didn't do everything you could have to prevent this from happening.
Greer has her demons from panicking on stage despite her love for playing and singing. It could happen to the best of us but one event is no reason to give it all up. The community service she is assigned with a music foundation is one thing that helps her realize that music is in her blood and she can't just give it all up for one night.
Ally is a teen that has lost her dad and is assigned to Greer at the foundation. I really fell in love with Ally and her tough spirit but a softness that was hidden beneath that tough exterior. She is a no nonsense type of young woman. I enjoyed watching her bloom and transform over the course of the book.
There are various other characters that play a supporting role to these three main characters such as Emmett's parents. Both of them have some issues to address as well which blends in beautifully with the story.
This book will touch your heart and I recommend it to all.
February 27, 2020
Unable to make it as a musician in Nashville and shocked to discover her boyfriend is cheating on her, Greer is arrested after a night of poor choices. To atone for her sins, the judge orders her to complete community service at Music Tree Foundation, an organization that uses music to relieve anxiety, depression, and/or PTSD. There, she finds not only a new purpose in life while working with Ally, a troubled teen, and Emmett, a troubled veteran (who feels guilty for surviving while others in his unit did not), but maybe also a chance at love.
"An anchor weighs you down. Keeps you in one place. Why would you want to be with someone like that? You should be with someone who encourages you to fly."
I loved (like 5 star loved) The Military Wife, the first book in this series, so I was so looking forward to this one. Even though I enjoyed the characters and story line (and hello, there was a kitten named Bonnie Raitt in a story set outside Nashville) in An Everyday Hero, I just didn't feel the same emotional pull as I did with the first one. I'm not a huge romance reader so that definitely could be why as I seem to be in the minority with my 3 star rating. I did, however, enjoy the flirty banter between Greer and Emmett, and I did tear up a couple times, so my heart is not made entirely of stone hehe.
Lastly, I can't help but wonder why a beach was featured on this cover because the book wasn't set anywhere near a beach. There were so many other great options, including a woman playing a guitar for a hot guy, or a cabin in the woods, or even a horse farm. At the very least, there should have been an American flag since the story focused on an Army veteran. Sigh.
Location: Madison, TN
I received an advance copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
"An anchor weighs you down. Keeps you in one place. Why would you want to be with someone like that? You should be with someone who encourages you to fly."
I loved (like 5 star loved) The Military Wife, the first book in this series, so I was so looking forward to this one. Even though I enjoyed the characters and story line (and hello, there was a kitten named Bonnie Raitt in a story set outside Nashville) in An Everyday Hero, I just didn't feel the same emotional pull as I did with the first one. I'm not a huge romance reader so that definitely could be why as I seem to be in the minority with my 3 star rating. I did, however, enjoy the flirty banter between Greer and Emmett, and I did tear up a couple times, so my heart is not made entirely of stone hehe.
Lastly, I can't help but wonder why a beach was featured on this cover because the book wasn't set anywhere near a beach. There were so many other great options, including a woman playing a guitar for a hot guy, or a cabin in the woods, or even a horse farm. At the very least, there should have been an American flag since the story focused on an Army veteran. Sigh.
Location: Madison, TN
I received an advance copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
February 4, 2020
Greer is coming home after years of trying to break into country music and nothing to show for it. To make matters worse, she’s assigned volunteer work for a bit of a whoopsy after catching her boyfriend in flagrante. She’s not thrilled, but wants her punishment over and done with so she can continue stewing in misery. Her sarcastic outlook and daydream mentality made her easy to like, even when she was struggling with the concept of, well, seriously “adulting”, but her journey to maturity was relatable. She also made me just want to pat her on the back with each step she took to take control of her destiny. Both good and bad decisions.
Ally’s teenage life fell to pieces when her dad dies in the line of duty. Dealing with her grief, new home, and new school doesn’t help matters and she’s required to attend music therapy after finding herself in a bit of mischief as well. Ally’s snarky attitude is a deceptive cover for a deep hurt, but with Greer bumping along-just think trial and errors-Ally’s personality unfurled in unexpected ways. Some good, some not, but progress is progress!
Now Emmett is the real test to Greer’s volunteer work. He’s a local son and war hero, and a surly grump struggling with survivor’s guilt. Like Greer, he had a set goal for his life, but life took matters in a different direction, leaving Emmett a shell of the man he could have been. Or so he thinks. Greer lit a fire inside Emmett he long thought died, forcing him to wake up and smell the coffee. He didn’t make it easy, and neither did she for that matter, but darned if I wasn’t cheering for these two late into the evening!
An Everyday Hero was a seriously good read! The Southern sass was alive and well, with sarcastic remarks and tongue in cheek humor-and a bit of fun from a charming little furball named Bonnie! The humor and sass was well balanced with everyday issues, struggles, and personal journeys hidden behind close doors. One never truly knows what another is going through unless they walk a mile in their shoes themselves. And as Greer, Emmett, and Ally discover, life comes full circle, sometimes in the oddest ways and when you least expect it. A chance meeting, a simple act of kindness, or a random comment can easily impact someone’s life whether realized or not.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and this is my honest review.
Ally’s teenage life fell to pieces when her dad dies in the line of duty. Dealing with her grief, new home, and new school doesn’t help matters and she’s required to attend music therapy after finding herself in a bit of mischief as well. Ally’s snarky attitude is a deceptive cover for a deep hurt, but with Greer bumping along-just think trial and errors-Ally’s personality unfurled in unexpected ways. Some good, some not, but progress is progress!
Now Emmett is the real test to Greer’s volunteer work. He’s a local son and war hero, and a surly grump struggling with survivor’s guilt. Like Greer, he had a set goal for his life, but life took matters in a different direction, leaving Emmett a shell of the man he could have been. Or so he thinks. Greer lit a fire inside Emmett he long thought died, forcing him to wake up and smell the coffee. He didn’t make it easy, and neither did she for that matter, but darned if I wasn’t cheering for these two late into the evening!
An Everyday Hero was a seriously good read! The Southern sass was alive and well, with sarcastic remarks and tongue in cheek humor-and a bit of fun from a charming little furball named Bonnie! The humor and sass was well balanced with everyday issues, struggles, and personal journeys hidden behind close doors. One never truly knows what another is going through unless they walk a mile in their shoes themselves. And as Greer, Emmett, and Ally discover, life comes full circle, sometimes in the oddest ways and when you least expect it. A chance meeting, a simple act of kindness, or a random comment can easily impact someone’s life whether realized or not.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and this is my honest review.
February 4, 2020
Put together a reclusive wounded veteran, an angry rebellious teenager, and a failed musician and what would have been a recipe for disaster becomes the long road back to healing and restoration. Greer's moment of inebriated rage lands her in a community service program where her unconventional approach to reaching her clients earns her their respect and that of her mentor. Ally's anger stems from the death of her father and the inability of her mother to handle their terrible loss. Emmett has lost his leg but the loss of his teammates draws him into a darkness that no one can penetrate. Greer is just lost. Feeling like a miserable failure she returns home to lick her wounds. As with all really good writers, I found that once I started reading this book, I was unable to put it down. Waking up in the middle of the night, instead of turning over and shutting my eyes, I instead got up and gleefully crept into the lounge where I could continue to read in peace. I enjoyed the wit and Greer's streetwise approach to Emmett and Ally, as she pushed her way past their objections and bad attitudes. Once Emmett gets beyond his anger at Greer for ignoring his warnings about approaching his cabin, he finds a spark of humor bubbling up within him at her outrageous comebacks. Ally has thwarted all attempts to reach her, but when she discovers an echo in Greer's own past, she pauses in her verbal assaults long enough to really listen. This novel is heartwarming and moving, dealing with real people and very real problems. I laughed and I cried, sometimes at the same moment. The book is a standalone and comes to a successful and hope-filled ending. I received a copy of this book through NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.
January 8, 2020
This was a very sweet romance that dealt with some very serious issues. I don't often read military themed novels, but I really enjoyed the hopeful message of An Everyday Hero. Laura Trentham's writing was wonderful and I found myself highlighting passages throughout the book. I appreciated that both main characters, Greer and Emmett, were bruised but not broken. They each had their own demons to battle, but they supported and pushed each other to be better and move forward. I felt like the author presented Emmett and Greer's individual concerns and fears realistically, and I loved how she addressed each one. The topics of death, addiction, loss of a parent, anxiety, and the aftermath of war/service were delicately and honestly discussed and I did not see the twist coming. The ending wrapped up a little too perfectly, and it's possible I may have gotten a cavity from how sweet it is. Readers should note that this is a clean, Hallmark style romance, with fade to black scenes. Overall, I enjoyed this small town feel good romance.
*I voluntarily read an advance review copy of this book*
*I voluntarily read an advance review copy of this book*
January 18, 2020
5 estrelas
Eu amei esse livro do começo ao fim. Acho que a autora Laura Trentham fez um ótimo trabalho em criar uma história apaixonante em que eu ri, torci pelos personagens e derramei algumas lágrimas. Um livro que conquistou meu coração.
An Everday Hero é muito mais que um romance. É uma história sobre perdão, segundas chances, amizades e família, amei como a história desses personagens se conectou e como pouco a pouco eles foram se ajudando a seguir em frente.
O ano mal começou mas já tenho a certeza que esse livro é um dos meus favoritos desse ano contando uma história emocionante , cativante daquelas que fizeram todos meus sentimentos aflorar e vir a tona.
Simplesmente adorei tudo nesse livro.
I Received an unreleased copy of this book
Eu amei esse livro do começo ao fim. Acho que a autora Laura Trentham fez um ótimo trabalho em criar uma história apaixonante em que eu ri, torci pelos personagens e derramei algumas lágrimas. Um livro que conquistou meu coração.
An Everday Hero é muito mais que um romance. É uma história sobre perdão, segundas chances, amizades e família, amei como a história desses personagens se conectou e como pouco a pouco eles foram se ajudando a seguir em frente.
O ano mal começou mas já tenho a certeza que esse livro é um dos meus favoritos desse ano contando uma história emocionante , cativante daquelas que fizeram todos meus sentimentos aflorar e vir a tona.
Simplesmente adorei tudo nesse livro.
I Received an unreleased copy of this book
February 5, 2020
4.5 stars
An Everyday Hero by Laura Trentham is a beautifully written and heartfelt read.
I enjoyed the storyline, it held my interest from start to end and I loved watching all the relationships unfold.
Overall, An Everyday Hero is a heartwarming read that touched my heart and an excellent addition to the Heart of a Hero series.
Now Live!
Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Everyday-Hero-...
*An ARC was provided in exchange for my honest thoughts.*
An Everyday Hero by Laura Trentham is a beautifully written and heartfelt read.
I enjoyed the storyline, it held my interest from start to end and I loved watching all the relationships unfold.
Overall, An Everyday Hero is a heartwarming read that touched my heart and an excellent addition to the Heart of a Hero series.
Now Live!
Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Everyday-Hero-...
*An ARC was provided in exchange for my honest thoughts.*
January 13, 2024
Lovely well written book with charming, heartfelt emotion. All the characters took on a shape and personality to the degree I felt for them. Greer has lived for music but finally gives up and comes home to small town, broke and broken and can't write, play or sing anymore.
She has a melt down in local bar and is sentenced (against her will) to community service working with a music therapy group that works with veterans and their families. She finds and meets an angry broken teenager whose father was killed in service and a broken disabled vet that lost a leg, his heart and his will to live.
This is a fabulous in depth book, it is hopeful, heartbreaking and the romance is not contrived but blossoms under the healing the characters go through.
Loved the story, substance and care given to dealing with vets and the aftermath of suffering severe losses.
She has a melt down in local bar and is sentenced (against her will) to community service working with a music therapy group that works with veterans and their families. She finds and meets an angry broken teenager whose father was killed in service and a broken disabled vet that lost a leg, his heart and his will to live.
This is a fabulous in depth book, it is hopeful, heartbreaking and the romance is not contrived but blossoms under the healing the characters go through.
Loved the story, substance and care given to dealing with vets and the aftermath of suffering severe losses.
July 7, 2020
I won this book through a giveaway in exchange for an honest review.
This is the second book that I have read from this author. The first book I read by her was called ‘A Highlander Walks Into a Bar’ and it was a whole different story and series than this one.
So....my thoughts?! Well, I was pleasantly surprised! I am typically not really into these types of books, but I did enjoy the story in this one. It’s like there is just enough action, suspense, and drama to keep it from becoming a snooze fest! Lol.
This is the second book that I have read from this author. The first book I read by her was called ‘A Highlander Walks Into a Bar’ and it was a whole different story and series than this one.
So....my thoughts?! Well, I was pleasantly surprised! I am typically not really into these types of books, but I did enjoy the story in this one. It’s like there is just enough action, suspense, and drama to keep it from becoming a snooze fest! Lol.
March 21, 2020
One of the few 2020 reads that emotionally impacted me! I know will stick with me for a while. Amazingly well written romance Between Greer and Emmett while also being so much more than the romance but not being overshadowed by bigger pictures and deeper meanings. Not succumbing to circumstances. Finding your purpose. Rising above. I loved it!
February 23, 2020
I loved everything about this book. I loved how realistic the characters and their journeys were. I loved that it wasn't just about a war veteran who need d to heal, but about those left behind and how they were affected. I loved that the heroine wasn't some sweet, innocent savior but a real woman full of faults and her own journey. Her tough plain speak was exactly what was needed too. I really enjoyed the first book (which was in no way connected) but this second one grabbed me completely and I loved it more.
February 25, 2020
This was a book that I didn't know I needed. The story is wonderful and the characters very much in need of the fresh start that their involvement with each other brings about. Greer and Emmett are so great together and I loved witnessing their connection, how much they developed as individuals and together! I finished this book, within 24 hours of starting it, and with a big dopey grin on my face and I couldn't recommend it more.
October 10, 2023
For how heckin long this took me to read, I’m surprised how much I ended up liking it. I’m really not a huge romance person, but this one didn’t have the usual cheesiness that I despise. Besides the romance, it dove deep into dealing with past trauma and self growth - more along the lines of what I like. I didn’t cry but I’ll admit I came close.
December 7, 2019
An Everyday Hero was my first book by this author, and I was so pleasantly surprised. I mean, I loved the blurb, so I was excited to take the chance. But there's always a little spark of surprise when beneath that enticing blurb lies a story full of heart.
There is definitely a Hallmark-y vibe to this story. It's sweet and somewhat predictable. But it's also smartly written and told in a way that felt relatable and engaging and sometimes downright charming. It moved a little slowly for me sometimes, and other times it caused a grin to plaster itself relentlessly across my face. I laughed, I swooned, and my heart hurt for these fabulous characters. It's not super heavy on the romance, and the heat level is low, but it was heartwarming and lovely and I'm so glad I took a chance on it. ~ Shelly, 4 Stars
There is definitely a Hallmark-y vibe to this story. It's sweet and somewhat predictable. But it's also smartly written and told in a way that felt relatable and engaging and sometimes downright charming. It moved a little slowly for me sometimes, and other times it caused a grin to plaster itself relentlessly across my face. I laughed, I swooned, and my heart hurt for these fabulous characters. It's not super heavy on the romance, and the heat level is low, but it was heartwarming and lovely and I'm so glad I took a chance on it. ~ Shelly, 4 Stars
February 5, 2020
An Everyday Hero is quite simply a gift. Ms. Trentham has such an effortless flow of words at her command that you don't realize the story is almost over until you turn the last page. One of the main characters, Greer, has recently moved back home with her parents after she lost her dreams in Nashville and her boyfriend when she found him with another woman. She is serving community service as punishment for the behavior she decided to let rule her at Becky's Bar that night. Over the course of her community service, she meets Ally. A teenager whose father was killed in the service and whose mother has become a drug addict. Lastly, Greer meets Emmett when she's sent to make a home visit to see if he's eating and also to ask him to schedule a time for the other items. I was so drawn in by the brokenness they each displayed and how different it was in each person. Greer kept most of her personal information internally tucked away. She wore an invisible armor over herself to protect her heart and pride because that is what she damaged before.
Part of Emmett's damage is easy to see. That would be his leg. However, he also has emotional scars that are hidden. I believe in the case of each of these three individuals, they had to either forgive themselves or someone else before they could move forward and find their way back to a "normal life." Seeing Greer taunt Emmett with her sarcasm was perfect. It's exactly what he needed...a swift kick in the butt. Then, as their friendship begins to evolve into something else, the push and pull between Greer and Emmett intensifies. I love them as a couple!
Overall, the flow of this story was close to perfect. I was able to connect with the characters and the story unfolded effortlessly without extra effort.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this ARC in exchange for my honest review
Part of Emmett's damage is easy to see. That would be his leg. However, he also has emotional scars that are hidden. I believe in the case of each of these three individuals, they had to either forgive themselves or someone else before they could move forward and find their way back to a "normal life." Seeing Greer taunt Emmett with her sarcasm was perfect. It's exactly what he needed...a swift kick in the butt. Then, as their friendship begins to evolve into something else, the push and pull between Greer and Emmett intensifies. I love them as a couple!
Overall, the flow of this story was close to perfect. I was able to connect with the characters and the story unfolded effortlessly without extra effort.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this ARC in exchange for my honest review
February 1, 2020
Puedes encontrar esta reseña en español al final.
3.5 stars.
This is a sweet story about people who see how their dreams and future fall apart but with the help of their loved ones keep going on and find new dreams.
The idea behind the story couldn´t be more beautiful: someone gives you a second chance to begin anew and you, in return, do the same for another person. If the chain continues, imagine all the good things that could happens.
The story is full of people who, one way or the other, are at their lowest point. And they need someone or something who can help them to move on. And it´s lovely to read how they got it. The cynic in me thinks that things aren´t so easy in real life, but that didn´t prevent me for enjoying the story, although it is more of a fairytale than real life.
And the romance has been lovely too. There is no sex here, FYI. All happens behind closed doors.
e-ARC kindly provided by St. Martin´s Press via Netgalley.
3,5 estrellas.
Esta es una historia dulce y tierna sobre gente que ha visto como sus sueños y su futuro se hacía pedazos y consigue salir adelante y encontrar nuevos sueños con la ayuda de sus seres queridos.
La idea detrás de la historia no puede ser más bonita: alguien te brinda una segunda oportunidad para rehacer tu vida y tú, a cambio, haces lo mismo por otra persona. Si la cadena sigue, imagina todo lo que puede salir bien.
La historia está llena de personajes que, de una manera u otra, han tocado fondo. Y necesitan algo o alguien para salir adelante. Y es precioso leer cómo lo consiguen. La cínica que hay en mí no puede evitar pensar que todo es demasiado fácil, y la vida real es mucho más complicada. Pero eso no ha impedido que haya disfrutado de esta historia, aunque esté más cerca de un cuento de hadas que de la vida real.
Y el romance precioso también. Las escenas íntimas ocurren fuera de página, por si a alguien le interesa saberlo.
3.5 stars.
This is a sweet story about people who see how their dreams and future fall apart but with the help of their loved ones keep going on and find new dreams.
The idea behind the story couldn´t be more beautiful: someone gives you a second chance to begin anew and you, in return, do the same for another person. If the chain continues, imagine all the good things that could happens.
The story is full of people who, one way or the other, are at their lowest point. And they need someone or something who can help them to move on. And it´s lovely to read how they got it. The cynic in me thinks that things aren´t so easy in real life, but that didn´t prevent me for enjoying the story, although it is more of a fairytale than real life.
And the romance has been lovely too. There is no sex here, FYI. All happens behind closed doors.
e-ARC kindly provided by St. Martin´s Press via Netgalley.
3,5 estrellas.
Esta es una historia dulce y tierna sobre gente que ha visto como sus sueños y su futuro se hacía pedazos y consigue salir adelante y encontrar nuevos sueños con la ayuda de sus seres queridos.
La idea detrás de la historia no puede ser más bonita: alguien te brinda una segunda oportunidad para rehacer tu vida y tú, a cambio, haces lo mismo por otra persona. Si la cadena sigue, imagina todo lo que puede salir bien.
La historia está llena de personajes que, de una manera u otra, han tocado fondo. Y necesitan algo o alguien para salir adelante. Y es precioso leer cómo lo consiguen. La cínica que hay en mí no puede evitar pensar que todo es demasiado fácil, y la vida real es mucho más complicada. Pero eso no ha impedido que haya disfrutado de esta historia, aunque esté más cerca de un cuento de hadas que de la vida real.
Y el romance precioso también. Las escenas íntimas ocurren fuera de página, por si a alguien le interesa saberlo.
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