Calmed.

by Jennifer Hobbs

As a true story told through dual perspectives, a powerful love ignites amidst the chaos in a combat zone between Baghdad and Abu Ghraib, Iraq. Two young soldiers from completely different lives unite together on a deployment—mostly under the privacy of mosquito netting since fraternization was frowned upon. Jennifer was more timid about needing to keep their relationship private, whereas Ryan didn’t take well to orders and was rather experienced in manipulating the system.

When a devastating explosion crumbles the course of their lives and budding relationship, they must navigate through the grief separately to find healing. The following years rain with struggles and destructive coping mechanisms as bandaids are slapped on the deep wounds of trauma, yet their love paves a path to each other again. Calmed. is the recount of their journeys, how combat brought them together and drove them apart, and a reflection of the laughter and tears through the heartbreak as they learned to trust each other again.

Kindle Edition

Published July 1, 2021

About the author

Jennifer Hobbs is an Army Veteran whose compassion and humor reaches far and wide through her drive to connect with and support others. She has dedicated over a decade of teaching in education and serving Veteran nonprofit organizations. Jennifer is empowered by the personal growth that comes with struggle, and she inspires others to embrace their journeys as well. When she's not teaching and immersed in her love of writing, she's spending time with her Veteran husband, three kids, and two dogs.

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Reviews

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Calmed. is an intense, intimate look into the beginning of Jennifer Hobbs and her husband's relationship through basic training, into a combat zone, and living with the aftermath of it all, including PTSD. Jen takes you through her life as she signs on to be in the National Guard while still in High School, then through basic training and into Iraq and back home. She offers a glimpse into her personal life, sharing stories of what has made her into the woman she is today. With alternate views from her husband, this memoir is well rounded and easy to read, making it hard to put down.

This was a fantastic book about the heartbreaking, but also heartwarming, lives of two people who met and fell in love, but then life kept getting in the way. It shows that two people who strongly love one another can endure years of separation, PTSD, and many other dips and lows that life can offer. Even through her darkest stories, Jen writes about hope and Faith and pushing through the difficult times to get to where she needed to be, and to reach who she wanted to be.

I look forward to reading more from Jennifer Hobbs in the future! I hope she continues to write. :)

[Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing. Read it all in one sitting because I could not put it down. As someone in a military family, it’s definitely an eye-opener into some of the situations our military personnel go through. Cried quiet a few times while reading about Jennifer and Ryan’s time enlisted. By far one of the best books I’ve read in a long time and can’t recommend it enough.

[S. Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hobbs! I bought "Calmed" at the state fair, this autographed copy will join my library of treasured reads. Once I got home I cleared my corners, checked my 6, sat with my back to the wall and dove in. Thank you sister for your courage, over there, and here. I know without a doubt you'll succeed in helping veterans and their families keep on keepin' on. Much respect from your LE brother.

[Mae Wagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a powerfully personal tale, told from connecting perspectives and creating an opportunity for readers to develop empathy and understanding for experiences they may not otherwise know.

What a brave and beautiful memoir! This book is one of those bridge builders, connecting people. What a gift!

[MKS · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the book from start to finish. The intensity and challenges that these young soldiers endured pulled at my heartstrings. I love that these two brave kids ended up together building a great life helping others!

[Shelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not set this book down once I started reading it! I loved the way it was written. So many memories of being a soldier were brought back!! Amazing book! I highly recommend it!

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book - I could not put it down!

[Jennifer Warnisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a honest story of love, struggle, growing and overcoming. Definitely worth the read! I am waiting for more works from this author.

[Amanda Forry-Fino · Rating 5 out of 5]

More than 5 stars.

Love conquers all in this story, as Jennifer and Hobbs met in a combat zone between Baghdad and Abu Ghraib, Iraq. Their love isn't diminished by the war or its aftermath. It was an emotional, yet very well written story. The audiobook captured my imagination and I listened to it all day long because I got engrossed in the story and the characters it featured. Although I have not read any previous books on the Iraq War, this one has left me with a lasting impression.

[Andrew Dial · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book interesting! Having grown up in Central Illinois I recognized several of the communities from which soldiers in the book came from.

The book weaves both Jennifer and her husband, Ryan's perspectives as they work through life's challenges and their time serving in Iraq.

Agonizing events cause pain that most of us will never understand, and from that pain and uncertainty relationships were built in the desert.