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Healing Hearts #1
Remember Home
Dear John…
For teacher Lily Hogan, those words would come to mean so much. She knew that giving back to the community brought joy into people’s lives. When her fourth-grade class writes letters to the military overseas in Afghanistan, she takes up her own pen and leads her students by example – writing a letter to an unknown soldier.
CPO John Griffin and his K-9 dog, Radar, have been through so much together over the last several years. Sniffing out bombs, searching the hills and mentoring his team, he feels so alone and unsure of his future- until a letter reminds him that there’s more to life in this world he’s protecting. Simple words, a kind gesture and feeling that he isn’t forgotten out there in the desert, compels him to write back. Before long, he finds himself looking forward to the care packages and letters from his pen-pal halfway across the world.
With every letter and every word, they begin to develop a friendship and wonder what the other person is truly like? Major life changes are scary enough as it is - but is it possible to fall in love with someone before you’ve even laid eyes upon them? Can the magic of the season bring the sweetest gift of all?
The Lawkeepers is a multi-author series alternating between historical westerns and contemporary westerns featuring law enforcement heroes that span multiple agencies and generations. Join bestselling authors Jenna Brandt, Lorana Hoopes and many others as they weave captivating, sweet and inspirational stories of romance and suspense between the lawkeepers -- and the women who love them.
The Lawkeepers is a world like no other; a world where lawkeepers and heroes are honored with unforgettable stories, characters, and love.
** Note: Each book in The Lawkeepers series is a standalone book, in a mini-series, and you can read them in any order.
For teacher Lily Hogan, those words would come to mean so much. She knew that giving back to the community brought joy into people’s lives. When her fourth-grade class writes letters to the military overseas in Afghanistan, she takes up her own pen and leads her students by example – writing a letter to an unknown soldier.
CPO John Griffin and his K-9 dog, Radar, have been through so much together over the last several years. Sniffing out bombs, searching the hills and mentoring his team, he feels so alone and unsure of his future- until a letter reminds him that there’s more to life in this world he’s protecting. Simple words, a kind gesture and feeling that he isn’t forgotten out there in the desert, compels him to write back. Before long, he finds himself looking forward to the care packages and letters from his pen-pal halfway across the world.
With every letter and every word, they begin to develop a friendship and wonder what the other person is truly like? Major life changes are scary enough as it is - but is it possible to fall in love with someone before you’ve even laid eyes upon them? Can the magic of the season bring the sweetest gift of all?
The Lawkeepers is a multi-author series alternating between historical westerns and contemporary westerns featuring law enforcement heroes that span multiple agencies and generations. Join bestselling authors Jenna Brandt, Lorana Hoopes and many others as they weave captivating, sweet and inspirational stories of romance and suspense between the lawkeepers -- and the women who love them.
The Lawkeepers is a world like no other; a world where lawkeepers and heroes are honored with unforgettable stories, characters, and love.
** Note: Each book in The Lawkeepers series is a standalone book, in a mini-series, and you can read them in any order.
147 pages, ebook
Published November 1, 2018
305 people are currently reading
284 people want to read
About the author
Ginny Sterling
405 books749 followersGinny Sterling is an avid romance writer. She lives to tell sweet, inspirational, tender tales that tug at the heart, leaving the reader smiling, laughing, or crying. Her book series include many titles such as FLYBOYS, Healing Hearts, Flirt’s Battalion, Reserve Ranch, Hotshots, and more.
Each book written is sure to be an adventure, bringing laughter and love to your heart!
https://linktr.ee/ginny_sterling
Each book written is sure to be an adventure, bringing laughter and love to your heart!
https://linktr.ee/ginny_sterling
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
March 26, 2025
2.75⭐️ Cute, if a bit underdeveloped and rushed, but cute nonetheless!
April 23, 2020
Okay, let me start by saying that I would have, on most days given this story four stars but this is just what I needed last night. I've strained a calf muscle and I was hurting just enough I couldn't sleep, these characters were vivid and the story was engrossing.
I didn't love the fact that they started kissing so quickly, it seemed a little out of character especially for the girl.
Overall this was a sweet book and the character development was great.
I didn't love the fact that they started kissing so quickly, it seemed a little out of character especially for the girl.
Overall this was a sweet book and the character development was great.
November 12, 2018
LOVE IS PATIENT; LOVE IS KIND
I enjoyed this clean Christian based story that is an addition to the contemporary Lawkeepers series and also one of the K-9 stories. There is a great cast of characters along with two special people and some of their personal issues that will become involved in a relationship. This story has strong Christian principles and faith in God without being preachy.
What can I say except I absolutely loved this story, I laughed out loud and I shed emotional tears. The story hit closer to home than most, as the mother of a US Army soldier who deployed seven times and on top of that, he was trained to locate and disarm landmines. Memories of me sending cards, letters, and care packages and the joy of hearing his voice occasionally and thanking God for keeping my precious son safe.
The plot of the story will have a fourth-grade teacher, Lily Hogan having her class write a letter to a soldier, share it out loud with the class, and then she mailed them. When they arrived for the soldiers in Afghanistan, they were each assigned a number, and CPO John Griffin is number twenty-three, receiving a letter from Lily.
“Unknown Hero—dream of happiness, wishes—and Twinkies.”
The story is a beautiful tale of two strangers, both needing a friend, and becoming pen pals across the miles. Even when school is out for the summer, Lily writes to John, and she is wonderful about sending care packages, even items for John’s K-9 partner, Radar, and treats to be shared with the other soldiers. The only problem, it takes an average of three to four weeks for each to receive letters. Through those letters, a bond, a friendship, an idea for the future, and hope for a happily ever after is formed.
Twenty years in the military and most of that spent in hostile land will change. John has something to come home for, a girl who is the light of his life, and hope for a future that will include this beautiful lady. Lily is overwhelmed by his exuberance for wanting to be with her, and how he is prone to take things over the top. No matter what, John only has eyes for Lily, and the love is felt throughout the pages of this story.
“There was something she’d learned over the last few weeks; when it came to her, there was no stopping the man. He’d do anything for her, and it boggled her mind.”
Life is full of surprises, but also dangers, even on peaceful soil like America. The story will have several intense moments, and you can feel the fear within that danger. John isn’t just a man of talk; he is a man of action.
“I will always come to you. Lily, you are the very air I breathe and the reason I even smile in this world. You are the light, my heart, and soul—and I want you to be with me always.” –John
“God guided me to you. I love you more than I’ve ever dreamed possible.” –Lily
“She treasured his love more than anything else in the world. She was so very proud of him; how strong his internal code was, and marveled at the way he simply ticked. He was resilient, silent, tender but at the same time—he was ornery and made her laugh like no other. She adored the way he made her feel treasured above all and his simple faith that they’d been brought together by a higher power.”
Reader, have tissues ready reading this amazing heartfelt and emotional story. And when you are though, say a prayer for a United States service member.
I enjoyed this clean Christian based story that is an addition to the contemporary Lawkeepers series and also one of the K-9 stories. There is a great cast of characters along with two special people and some of their personal issues that will become involved in a relationship. This story has strong Christian principles and faith in God without being preachy.
What can I say except I absolutely loved this story, I laughed out loud and I shed emotional tears. The story hit closer to home than most, as the mother of a US Army soldier who deployed seven times and on top of that, he was trained to locate and disarm landmines. Memories of me sending cards, letters, and care packages and the joy of hearing his voice occasionally and thanking God for keeping my precious son safe.
The plot of the story will have a fourth-grade teacher, Lily Hogan having her class write a letter to a soldier, share it out loud with the class, and then she mailed them. When they arrived for the soldiers in Afghanistan, they were each assigned a number, and CPO John Griffin is number twenty-three, receiving a letter from Lily.
“Unknown Hero—dream of happiness, wishes—and Twinkies.”
The story is a beautiful tale of two strangers, both needing a friend, and becoming pen pals across the miles. Even when school is out for the summer, Lily writes to John, and she is wonderful about sending care packages, even items for John’s K-9 partner, Radar, and treats to be shared with the other soldiers. The only problem, it takes an average of three to four weeks for each to receive letters. Through those letters, a bond, a friendship, an idea for the future, and hope for a happily ever after is formed.
Twenty years in the military and most of that spent in hostile land will change. John has something to come home for, a girl who is the light of his life, and hope for a future that will include this beautiful lady. Lily is overwhelmed by his exuberance for wanting to be with her, and how he is prone to take things over the top. No matter what, John only has eyes for Lily, and the love is felt throughout the pages of this story.
“There was something she’d learned over the last few weeks; when it came to her, there was no stopping the man. He’d do anything for her, and it boggled her mind.”
Life is full of surprises, but also dangers, even on peaceful soil like America. The story will have several intense moments, and you can feel the fear within that danger. John isn’t just a man of talk; he is a man of action.
“I will always come to you. Lily, you are the very air I breathe and the reason I even smile in this world. You are the light, my heart, and soul—and I want you to be with me always.” –John
“God guided me to you. I love you more than I’ve ever dreamed possible.” –Lily
“She treasured his love more than anything else in the world. She was so very proud of him; how strong his internal code was, and marveled at the way he simply ticked. He was resilient, silent, tender but at the same time—he was ornery and made her laugh like no other. She adored the way he made her feel treasured above all and his simple faith that they’d been brought together by a higher power.”
Reader, have tissues ready reading this amazing heartfelt and emotional story. And when you are though, say a prayer for a United States service member.
April 22, 2023
2.5
Lily Hogan, a fourth-grade teacher, gets her class to send letters to soldiers stationed in Afghanistan as an assignment. She decides to write a letter herself as well. Her letter—which are randomly assigned a soldier upon arrival—ends up in the hands of John Griffin.
* * *
I picked this up during #stuffyourkindleday and it was not my cup of tea. In the beginning, it had potential, and I thought that Lily's character was relatable. It all unraveled way too quickly, though, with time jumps and not much space to explore the characters. It felt too much like Insta-love, of which I'm not a fan.
I think I kind of hoped it would be more in the tune of Purple Hearts (have you seen it on Netflix?) It wasn't.
Lily Hogan, a fourth-grade teacher, gets her class to send letters to soldiers stationed in Afghanistan as an assignment. She decides to write a letter herself as well. Her letter—which are randomly assigned a soldier upon arrival—ends up in the hands of John Griffin.
* * *
I picked this up during #stuffyourkindleday and it was not my cup of tea. In the beginning, it had potential, and I thought that Lily's character was relatable. It all unraveled way too quickly, though, with time jumps and not much space to explore the characters. It felt too much like Insta-love, of which I'm not a fan.
I think I kind of hoped it would be more in the tune of Purple Hearts (have you seen it on Netflix?) It wasn't.
January 31, 2021
Lovely clean romance. I enjoyed this a great deal and have decided to read others in this series.
October 28, 2018
I love books about pen pals! Lily is an elementary school teacher and decides her class needs to write to some soldiers in Afghanistan. Such a worthy project! Soldiers are always needing a diversion and words from home are a lifeline for them! They need "normal" and what is better than letters from children?! Lily also writes a letter and that one happens to go to John who especially needs a letter like hers. I really liked John. He is the epitome of a soldier in my opinion...responsible, faithful, fulfills his duty, a great leader....but he's lonely. He has his dog, Radar, and I loved the relationship between the two of them. However, John only has his mother at home but he's been in the military a long time and it's time to start deciding about his future. The letter from Lily starts him thinking about getting out of the military and going home. The letters between the two of them are what each of them needs. They are two lonely souls and have just the right thing that each other needs. Funny how that works out. It's a very romantic book. When John gets out and returns to the USA, he goes to visit Lily and oh my, their meeting is so romantic! You have to read this book! Pick up a copy!
I received this book from the author but didn't have to leave a review. These opinions are my own.
I received this book from the author but didn't have to leave a review. These opinions are my own.
November 13, 2020
ginny Starling was a new author for me; when I first read the introduction I thought this would be a interesting new read for me. Boy was I right. Her characters immediately brought me into the world of a soldier abroad and his journey as a civilian after deployment. This book shows how important that we remember the sacrifice of young service men in order for our freedom; it's something that we should never take for granted. This book illustrates how God can use something as unlikely as a letter to bring two people together
July 4, 2024
Sweet, Christian military romance.
Romance sweet, contemporary, mild Christian faith references; series but stand alone read
John and Lily’s story was a sweet surprise to a teacher who wrote a letter to a random soldier in the US military. John randomly gets her letter and through a series of letters and phone calls, they become friends and then begin something more.
John is finishing his career in the military and after getting to know Lily, decides to take a chance on more than friendship.
Sweet romance, some cute moments.
Romance sweet, contemporary, mild Christian faith references; series but stand alone read
John and Lily’s story was a sweet surprise to a teacher who wrote a letter to a random soldier in the US military. John randomly gets her letter and through a series of letters and phone calls, they become friends and then begin something more.
John is finishing his career in the military and after getting to know Lily, decides to take a chance on more than friendship.
Sweet romance, some cute moments.
October 29, 2018
Such a wonderful book! This story made me laugh and cry happy tears! Talk about your Prince Charming, John is all that and more. I feel in love with Radar, she is so smart. This book just helps you find that happy place and you can’t put the book down until finished. I will be thinking on this story for days!
Was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
December 18, 2020
REMEMBER HOME (previously titled LAWFULLY GIFTED) is part of both A CHRISTMAS LAWKEEPER ROMANCE anthology series, and is also book #1 in Ginny Sterling’s HEALING HEARTS military series. REMEMBER HOME drew me in, grabbed my heart, and I so hoped CPO Griffin and Lily would get their well deserved HEA. I loved REMEMBER HOME (my first book by Ginny Sterling) and I definitely plan to read the next book in the HEALING HEARTS series & check out her anthology series, as well. ❤️
Afghanistan, 2015 - CPO John Griffin/MMC, 38yrs and currently deployed in Afghanistan as a bomb and ammunitions expert with his latest dog, Radar, has served nearly twenty years in the military. John is beginning to sense it’s time to finish up his duty and finally return stateside for good - while he still can. He’s much older now than each new group of recruit arrivals and a deep loneliness is settling in. Meanwhile stateside in Tyler, TX, 32yr old fourth grade teacher Lily Hogan/FMC hears about an opportunity for her class to reach out to the military men and women serving overseas through a letter correspondence program. As part of her students’ assignment, Lily decides to write her own letter and includes a large box of Twinkies (her personal addiction) when she mails the class package. And so begins the correspondence and growing friendship between teacher Lily Hogan and CPO John Griffin.
My nephew served 2 terms overseas in the Marine Corp - one term in Afghanistan during 2015. Our family sent various care packages, encouraging him to share with his buddies who perhaps were not receiving anything. REMEMBER HOME brought back all the emotions and feelings we experienced as family for a loved one putting his life in danger every single day. REMBER HOME was a wonderful tribute to those who serve. I have read other stories involving the military - some intrigue, others thrillers, sci-fi and/or romance, but I especially felt the building friendship and love reflected in REMEMBER HOME. This touched my heart. I will absolutely be checking out others books by Ginny Sterling and I’m sure I will be re-reading REMEMBER HOME again in the future. It was lovely and I highly recommend it for a heartfelt read. (The additional epilogues pulled everything together, completing the story perfectly). REMEMBER HOME is a Friends to More, HEA military trope story.
READER CAUTIONS - NONE.
REMEMBER HOME is an entirely Clean romance novel with no strong language, violence, or sexual situations to concern anyone. IMO, it could certainly be read and enjoyed by any YA who enjoys romance novels as well as by adult readers.
Afghanistan, 2015 - CPO John Griffin/MMC, 38yrs and currently deployed in Afghanistan as a bomb and ammunitions expert with his latest dog, Radar, has served nearly twenty years in the military. John is beginning to sense it’s time to finish up his duty and finally return stateside for good - while he still can. He’s much older now than each new group of recruit arrivals and a deep loneliness is settling in. Meanwhile stateside in Tyler, TX, 32yr old fourth grade teacher Lily Hogan/FMC hears about an opportunity for her class to reach out to the military men and women serving overseas through a letter correspondence program. As part of her students’ assignment, Lily decides to write her own letter and includes a large box of Twinkies (her personal addiction) when she mails the class package. And so begins the correspondence and growing friendship between teacher Lily Hogan and CPO John Griffin.
My nephew served 2 terms overseas in the Marine Corp - one term in Afghanistan during 2015. Our family sent various care packages, encouraging him to share with his buddies who perhaps were not receiving anything. REMEMBER HOME brought back all the emotions and feelings we experienced as family for a loved one putting his life in danger every single day. REMBER HOME was a wonderful tribute to those who serve. I have read other stories involving the military - some intrigue, others thrillers, sci-fi and/or romance, but I especially felt the building friendship and love reflected in REMEMBER HOME. This touched my heart. I will absolutely be checking out others books by Ginny Sterling and I’m sure I will be re-reading REMEMBER HOME again in the future. It was lovely and I highly recommend it for a heartfelt read. (The additional epilogues pulled everything together, completing the story perfectly). REMEMBER HOME is a Friends to More, HEA military trope story.
READER CAUTIONS - NONE.
REMEMBER HOME is an entirely Clean romance novel with no strong language, violence, or sexual situations to concern anyone. IMO, it could certainly be read and enjoyed by any YA who enjoys romance novels as well as by adult readers.
November 16, 2018
What a great story. I just loved the premise of writing to a soldier and becoming pen pals. But not only that, they start to have feelings for each other. John was a wonderful hero. He loved Lily very much and was almost overpowering in showing his love and devotion to her. Lily didn't have a lot of self-confidence and she was easily hurt when there was a few weeks of silence from John because of the low self-esteem. But with John's love, she bloomed into a confident young woman.
Let's not forget Radar either. A beautiful German Shepard K-9 partner of John's. What a wonderful addition to the story. I just adored it.
This book was written in a dual POV format. It is my favorite as I get a look into the character's thoughts and emotions to completely understand that character's actions.
I highly recommend this wonderful Christian romance. It was a joy to read. I couldn't put it down until it was finished. I had a few tears at the end. It was so beautiful. What a gifted author.
Let's not forget Radar either. A beautiful German Shepard K-9 partner of John's. What a wonderful addition to the story. I just adored it.
This book was written in a dual POV format. It is my favorite as I get a look into the character's thoughts and emotions to completely understand that character's actions.
I highly recommend this wonderful Christian romance. It was a joy to read. I couldn't put it down until it was finished. I had a few tears at the end. It was so beautiful. What a gifted author.
February 5, 2023
Military man John Griffin is stationed in Afghanistan when he receives an innocent letter with a box of Twinkies from who he thinks is a kid. Little does he know that it is from Lily Hogan, a school teacher in the United States. This was my first book by Ginny Sterling and I found it to be sweet, romantic, and tear at your heart strings. I could feel how lonely John was and how each letter he received from Lily meant so much to him. You could feel through the authors words that it gave him some light in a dark situation. Lily is a kind loving insecure woman who doesn't think she could ever matter to anyone. To watch their friendship and then love blossom made me smile. The addition of John's 4 legged buddy Radar and John's mom was a nice touch. I enjoyed how this story unfolded and it was a quick read. If you like clean contemporary military romance than this book is a perfect one to grab.
July 17, 2022
Remember Home
Lily is an elementary school teacher. She has her class write letters to soldiers overseas. In order to encourage the youngsters, she volunteers to also write a letter. John is one of the soldiers overseas and he happens to be the one to receive her package and letter. Her package and letter reminds him of the things he misses back home. They become pen pals and seem to connect through the letters. She sends her telephone number in one of the letters. He receives the number on a particularly hard day. He calls her immediately and she helps him through the difficult circumstances by just talking with him. When he retires to the city she lives in, they begin their courtship. Read their sweet story and enjoy.
Lily is an elementary school teacher. She has her class write letters to soldiers overseas. In order to encourage the youngsters, she volunteers to also write a letter. John is one of the soldiers overseas and he happens to be the one to receive her package and letter. Her package and letter reminds him of the things he misses back home. They become pen pals and seem to connect through the letters. She sends her telephone number in one of the letters. He receives the number on a particularly hard day. He calls her immediately and she helps him through the difficult circumstances by just talking with him. When he retires to the city she lives in, they begin their courtship. Read their sweet story and enjoy.
April 30, 2024
I enjoyed this story as an audiobook. I love this narrator. She does an amazing job of giving each character their voice so you can immerse yourself in the story and easily know who is talking.
I love the healing hearts series and diving into Lily and John’s story was amazing. This story is the beginning of the series and gives a firm foundation for the rest of the series because you will see a lot more of these two throughout the books. I love how they started as pen pals in the mail and slowly moved to email and phone. I feel like that gives an extra romantic touch. Also let’s just say the Twinkie scene was hilarious! This is a dual pov, closed door romance. You also get the short story, “Twas Perfect” with this audio.
I love the healing hearts series and diving into Lily and John’s story was amazing. This story is the beginning of the series and gives a firm foundation for the rest of the series because you will see a lot more of these two throughout the books. I love how they started as pen pals in the mail and slowly moved to email and phone. I feel like that gives an extra romantic touch. Also let’s just say the Twinkie scene was hilarious! This is a dual pov, closed door romance. You also get the short story, “Twas Perfect” with this audio.
May 6, 2024
I was lucky enough to win this audiobook in a giveaway from Ginny Sterling. I absolutely love anything she writes and this book was no different. I really enjoyed how Lorana Hoopes told this story. I was drawn in from the beginning. This is such a cute story about kids writing letters to the military men over seas. When John finds out one of the letters was actually written by the teacher Lily they become pen pals. I fell in love with John and Lily. You will also love hearing about his K9 pup Radar. This is a sweet, clean romance story that will have you smiling through out the book. I would definitely recommend this audiobook and anything Ginny Sterling writes.
Thank you Ginny Sterling for giving me this code to this wonderful book! I can't wait to read more in this series. ❤️
Thank you Ginny Sterling for giving me this code to this wonderful book! I can't wait to read more in this series. ❤️
March 11, 2025
Ginny Sterling has been on my authors TBR list for a while now, so the other night when I needed a new read I decided to give one of her books a try. Remember Home is book 1 of her Healing Hearts series.
The MMC is in the military and receives a letter from the MMF. His first impression creates a bit of fun (you’ll have to read to know why), but they quickly fall into the role of penpals. I know some don’t care for epistolary books. If that is you, don’t fret! Yes, there are some letters, they do not make up the bulk of the book.
Both John and Lily are surprised as they feel drawn to each other through their correspondence. Especially since neither is looking for or expecting love.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book.. so much so I read it in one sitting. And I am now jumping into book 2!
The MMC is in the military and receives a letter from the MMF. His first impression creates a bit of fun (you’ll have to read to know why), but they quickly fall into the role of penpals. I know some don’t care for epistolary books. If that is you, don’t fret! Yes, there are some letters, they do not make up the bulk of the book.
Both John and Lily are surprised as they feel drawn to each other through their correspondence. Especially since neither is looking for or expecting love.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book.. so much so I read it in one sitting. And I am now jumping into book 2!
December 22, 2019
I read book four first. The start of this series did not disappoint. My heart broke for John as he contemplated whether he should retire from the military and For being so lonely. His dog Radar is his only solace. I love it when a hard, tough hero also acknowledges his fears and insecurities. Lily is a sweetheart and she has a hard time believing that anyone, let alone John, could love her. At the same time, she knows how to stand up for herself. Another great story and I’m moving on to book 2.
January 16, 2020
This is my first time reading a Ginny Sterling book. I always get nervous reading new authors because I like the ones I always read but I am so happy that I read this book. It was so sweet and heartfelt. He was so sweet and so wild at the same time. He did not know any way to be in a relationship except all in and he truly did love her. I think it was hard for her to trust that anyone would love her in that way so it was a bit much for her at first but their love story was so sweet and I just started the second book in the series. I would recommend this book and author!
December 10, 2021
Captured your heart
This is a beautiful story of a sweet woman with a huge heart. She has her elementary students write letters to service men in Afghanistan. She also writes and her letter goes to a twenty year veteran who hadn't decided yet to re-up or leave the service. They clicked. They continue to correspond and are fascinated with each other. It is sweet, some scary situations, and of course his wonderful K9 companion who had saved lives countless by sniffing out bombs. A must read
This is a beautiful story of a sweet woman with a huge heart. She has her elementary students write letters to service men in Afghanistan. She also writes and her letter goes to a twenty year veteran who hadn't decided yet to re-up or leave the service. They clicked. They continue to correspond and are fascinated with each other. It is sweet, some scary situations, and of course his wonderful K9 companion who had saved lives countless by sniffing out bombs. A must read
July 11, 2022
3.5/5 - this was a really cute, quick read. The short length did make some aspects seem quite rushed, but I still enjoyed the story. Lily and John were both great characters.
I personally preferred the first half of the book, where they were writing letters & talking on the phone, but it was a good balance of that vs time spent together.
I didn’t realize just how religious this book was going to be, but I’m okay with that. It may not be for everyone, so I just wanted to mention it. It is very much a clean, Christian romance. But I’m glad I read this!
I personally preferred the first half of the book, where they were writing letters & talking on the phone, but it was a good balance of that vs time spent together.
I didn’t realize just how religious this book was going to be, but I’m okay with that. It may not be for everyone, so I just wanted to mention it. It is very much a clean, Christian romance. But I’m glad I read this!
May 10, 2024
This wonderful book by Ginny Sterling I’d the first in the series.
John is stationed in Afghanistan with his dog Radar as explosive detection. He receives a letter from Lily that he thinks is a student assigned to write to a soldier. As it turns out Lily is the teacher of the fourth graders. She sent along a box of Twinkies just to bring a touch of home.
That first letter is only the beginning that starts a much needed friendship that they both need.
*I received this as an ARC reader and am leaving my unbiased review.
John is stationed in Afghanistan with his dog Radar as explosive detection. He receives a letter from Lily that he thinks is a student assigned to write to a soldier. As it turns out Lily is the teacher of the fourth graders. She sent along a box of Twinkies just to bring a touch of home.
That first letter is only the beginning that starts a much needed friendship that they both need.
*I received this as an ARC reader and am leaving my unbiased review.
August 5, 2025
Well this was adorable! I absolutely loved this book. I related to Lily so much; with all her insecurities. But I love how she ultimately pushed past those. And how can we not love John. I will admit, at the end there he was going a little bit over the top…but this is fiction y’all! Sometimes it’s fun to dream a little over the top!
I’m throwing a mild spoiler in here: if you get a little anxious when an animal is introduced into books like this, I want to assure you this sweetheart dog has a very happy ending and no Kleenex is needed!
I’m throwing a mild spoiler in here: if you get a little anxious when an animal is introduced into books like this, I want to assure you this sweetheart dog has a very happy ending and no Kleenex is needed!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 4, 2019
Lily gave her students an assignment to write letters to soldiers. She wrote also one and her receiver John was very happy to receive not only letters but also packages. They both fell in love through their letters, but what will happen when they finally meet each other?
While reading this story you will fall in love with John and root for this couple.
I recommend not only this story but the whole series.
While reading this story you will fall in love with John and root for this couple.
I recommend not only this story but the whole series.
July 18, 2021
Don't forget our men in the military
Lily gave as an assignment to her class for them to write a letter to someone in the military. To set as an example she also wrote a letter and bought items for the men. The box was sent to Afghanistan. The man who received her letter wrote back thanking her for the letter and the stuff inside the box. John thought she was a child. could anything come of this? A story you can't wait to finish reading.
Lily gave as an assignment to her class for them to write a letter to someone in the military. To set as an example she also wrote a letter and bought items for the men. The box was sent to Afghanistan. The man who received her letter wrote back thanking her for the letter and the stuff inside the box. John thought she was a child. could anything come of this? A story you can't wait to finish reading.
May 14, 2024
I binge read this all in one morning! What a beautiful love story, starting with a letter to a soldier. I love curvy FMCs, and Lily was perfect. A sweet teacher (who reminded me of a teacher my kids both had, who passed from Cancer) and a handsome soldier, who wrote to each other for months before meeting in person. Add in a military dog and a little drama to make this a perfectly sweet love story!
December 2, 2018
This book is a gift!
Super cute, loved the military and K9 aspects and how the couple first connected (especially through Twinkies!). I loved that the story spanned a longer period of time so I could truly see the relationship blossom. Enjoyable, sweet and clean, I'd rate it PG, with minor Christian themes that worked well with the story.
Super cute, loved the military and K9 aspects and how the couple first connected (especially through Twinkies!). I loved that the story spanned a longer period of time so I could truly see the relationship blossom. Enjoyable, sweet and clean, I'd rate it PG, with minor Christian themes that worked well with the story.
December 3, 2018
Lawfully Gifted
Lily had her class send letters to soliders overseas. Lily herself sent a letter and package. John was surprised to get a package and letter from what he thought was a student. It's the start of a friendship that turns into so much more.
Wonderful story. Happy, sad it has it all.
Lily had her class send letters to soliders overseas. Lily herself sent a letter and package. John was surprised to get a package and letter from what he thought was a student. It's the start of a friendship that turns into so much more.
Wonderful story. Happy, sad it has it all.
December 14, 2018
Sweet story of healing wounded hearts
There’s so much to love about this story. Lily and John are both hurting and lonely. They help each other. There’s a lot of serious issues in this story, yet I laughed out loud several times. If you have lost hope or feel alone, this book will remind you that hope is still alive. I highly recommend this book.
There’s so much to love about this story. Lily and John are both hurting and lonely. They help each other. There’s a lot of serious issues in this story, yet I laughed out loud several times. If you have lost hope or feel alone, this book will remind you that hope is still alive. I highly recommend this book.
May 5, 2020
Absolutely wonderful
This story was wonderful, thought provoking and filled with laughter, hope and love. The characters were realistic. The story is full of God's love, mercy and Grace woven through the pages. I highly recommend this book and the entire Healing Hearts series.
This story was wonderful, thought provoking and filled with laughter, hope and love. The characters were realistic. The story is full of God's love, mercy and Grace woven through the pages. I highly recommend this book and the entire Healing Hearts series.
June 20, 2020
A wonderful fantastic story
This story tells how a relationship between school teacher Lily and a Seal ending his twenty years of service in Afghanistan come together. They both felt God has given this to them.
I really enjoyed this loving story with all its ups and downs. Well worth your time to enjoy this happy ever after story.
This story tells how a relationship between school teacher Lily and a Seal ending his twenty years of service in Afghanistan come together. They both felt God has given this to them.
I really enjoyed this loving story with all its ups and downs. Well worth your time to enjoy this happy ever after story.
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