Back in the Soldier's Bed

by Donna Alward

When Jonas Kirkpatrick left for the Special Forces six years ago, he left Shannyn with more than a broken heart. Pregnant and alone, Shannyn built a life for herself and their daughter. The last thing she wanted was for Jonas to come back out of obligation or worse, have to tell her daughter that her father was never coming back at all. But now Jonas has returned to the local base, no longer on active duty, and Shannyn’s secret is out. And even if Jonas could possibly forgive her, he’s not the same man who said goodbye all those years ago…

An injury pulled Jonas from active duty as a special forces sniper, but adjusting to a new training position isn’t the worst thing he has to deal with. He still isn’t over the incident that nearly cost him his life, and now he discovers he’s a father. He’s angry with Shannyn and still having flashbacks, but the one bright spot is his sweet daughter Emma. His life might be a mess, but he wants to be a good dad. And that means seeing Shannyn and remembering how amazing it was between them that long-ago summer.

Visitation means Shannyn and Jonas are spending more time together, and it’s soon clear that their earlier chemistry is still off the charts. But Shannyn knows when Jonas is fully healed he’s likely to leave again, and Jonas doesn’t believe he deserves happiness. Can they find their way to a second chance, or are some wounds too deep to truly heal?

151 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 2021

About the author

Since 2006, New York Times bestseller Donna Jones Alward has enchanted readers with stories of happy endings and homecomings that have won several awards and been translated into over a dozen languages. She’s worked as an administrative assistant, teaching assistant, in retail and as a stay-at-home-mom, but always knew her degree in English Literature would pay off, as she is now happy to be a full-time writer. Her new historical fiction tales blend her love of history with characters who step beyond their biggest fears to claim the lives they desire.

Donna currently lives in Nova Scotia, Canada, with her husband and cats. You can often find her near the water, either kayaking on the lake or walking the sandy beaches to refill her creative well.

Find out more at www.donnajonesalward.com

Reviews

[Julie Booklover · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first time reading this author, and I will be reading more. I like a quick read with substance, and her writing does that.

Shannyn and Jonas have a history, a spectacular summer six years ago. At the time he left, neither knew of her pregnancy. Both had dreams, and he was on his way to be the best sniper in his unit. She made a decision that she felt was best.

Six years later, looking into his eyes as her daughter shows up at her work. Emotions are running high, and baggage is weighty. Will the hurt and secrets be a burden? Can they work together? Will Jonas and Shannyn get their second chance?

Thank you to Booksprout and the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jonas and Shannyn's Story . . .

Jonas Kirkpatrick left for the Special Forces six years ago, leaving Shannyn pregnant. She did not want Jonas back out of obligation. She could get by without him. But the man who came back home is not the Jonas who left her. His injury that almost killed him, took him from the sniper job he loved, and brought him home, is giving him flashbacks.

Jonas is angry that Shannyn kept their daughter, Emma, a secret from him. But he adores the little girl. He wants to be a good dad to her. And his memories of that summer with Shannyn are bringing back feelings for her. But she is afraid that, when he is healed, he will disappear from them again. And Jonas doesn’t believe he deserves any happiness. With both of them doubting they can be together as a family, will they try to accept this second chance? Or will they never heal enough to find the strength to reach out for one another?

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written second chance military romance with strong characters in Jonas and Shannyn's story. The author brings all the feels in this deeply emotional romance with a secret pregnancy and his discovery of having a daughter. The story moves quickly and smoothly with detailed and descriptive scenes and is a terrific read. Loved and recommend this book.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[Kathy Heare Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

HE WAS ALIVE BUT NOT LIVING

I enjoyed this emotional military romance story and the two main characters. The story is a second chance romance, but not one that comes easily. What a shock for Shannyn to see Jonas Fitzpatrick enter her place of employment—but he is aloof to her. It's been six years since she last saw him, and she is flooding again with memories. This story is full of angst, anger, betrayal, accusations, discoveries, and new beginnings.

Sgt. Jonas Fitzpatrick is a haunted man—war may not have taken his life, but it has stolen his soul, his purpose, his best friend and left him injured, not just his body, but his mind. Months in the hospital, and now he is in physical therapy, and the last person he expected to see was Shannyn Smith. But what happens when he is there, and a little girl comes running in to see her Mommy—and that child is a cross between Shannyn and him? Anger, upset, betrayal—secrets—how could she?

Shannyn Smith was so in love with Jonas, their time together was the happiest, even knowing he was training there at the base and would leave. She truly believed he cared, that he would love her as she loved him—but he left and never contacted her. So, after several weeks of him moving on with his military career, she discovered she was pregnant. There is no way she is contacting him, he was able to walk away, and she doesn't need him in her or her baby's life.

The story is an emotional roller-coaster ride between these two. Jonas is angry, and it flows off of him; he acts as if Shannyn is just another person, not the woman he was with before he went off to war. But, to discover he has a child—even if he said he never wanted one—how dare she keep this from him. Jonas is a complex character, and at times, I really disliked him. He is an emotional train-wreck since the IED attack that killed his friend, Chris, and left him lame—but he is so bitter, he pushes that anger onto Shannyn. I can't blame her for what she did or didn't do—he made it clear his career was what he wanted in life and walked away.

Jonas: So you took her away from me. Denied me the chance to know my own flesh and blood.
Shannyn: I protected her!
Jonas: From me! From her father!
Shannyn: Not from who you were! From what you were!

Now, Jonas is back, issuing orders to Shannyn as if she was one of his soldiers. He demands she tells Emma, and he plans on seeing her, getting to know her. But, Shannyn does not want to upset Emma's world. She knows that it is just her and Mommy, and Shannyn has made a decent life for them—but now Jonas expects to be part of that life.

Shannyn: I'm not in your command. I'm the mother of your child and perhaps you should remember that.
Jonas: You're right. How could I possibly forget something that has happened so recently. You had no trouble with the decision not to tell me. What have you told her about her father, anyway?
Shannyn: I told her you didn't know that she was born and that I didn't know where you were.

"So much over the last year had convinced him that life was devoid of hope. Of beauty. Of tenderness. Somehow, by some miracle, one hug from his unknown daughter changed all that. Because in her embrace, he knew beauty, and tenderness, and most of all, the elusive glimmer of hope."

Shannyn is concerned about Jonas' mental condition. She witnesses several times where he seems to space out—just totally lost in his mind. How can she allow him to take Emma for an outing, knowing that? She can't. So it is agreed that she will go with them places. An air show will be a turning point for Jonas—one where he must accept he isn't doing well, and for the sake of his daughter and himself, he needs professional help. Chris is gone, but he wouldn't want Jonas to live like this.

"He was home. They were his and he was theirs. It was time he started taking the steps to claim them."

Jonas: I made my decision based on fear, not on faith. Faith in you, faith in us. I realized that today. I took that choice away and I'm sorry. More sorry than you'll ever know. It's over now. No more looking back. No more regrets. What's done is done and we go from here.
Shannyn: Where do we go from here? What do you see happening between us, Jonas?
Jonas: I've spent so much time living in the past that I'm not even in the future yet. I'm still taking things one day at a time. I'm going to have some decisions to make soon about where my future lies. I'm not sure what the future holds, Shannyn. But I am clear on one thing. I never should have left you six years ago.

[Eileen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jonas and Shannyn's second chance story in Back in the Soldier’s Bed by Donna Alward is an emotional roller coaster of two people reuniting after six years apart, who still have feelings for each other. The summer these two spent together was unforgettable, filled with off the charts chemistry but when Jonah left for sniper training in the Special Forces; he did so without really saying goodbye. When Shannyn discovers a consequence from their time together she makes the decision to not let Jonah know about their baby; keeping her child safe from ever having to lose a parent like she did. After sustaining an injury, Jonah returns to the same base town, never expecting to find Shannyn still living there; let alone a huge surprise. Jonah is full of anger after losing his best friend, in action, as well as suffering a bit of PTSD. He only knows he wants to be little Emma’s daddy and be a part of her life. Jonah needs to accept and understand the reasons for Shannyn’s decisions before they can peacefully co-parent. Although six years have passed, Shannyn and Jonah still have feelings for each other, are still attracted to each other, and the chemistry they once shared is still there. As Jonah works through his feelings he realizes that at the time he left, he was making decisions about Shannyn based on fear rather than having faith in the possibility of a life together. Once he accepts these thoughts and shares it with Shannyn, instead of ordering her to do things, Jonah and Shannyn might be able to find that happily ever after and create a family for Emma. I enjoyed their story and definitely recommend Back in the Soldier’s Bed to other readers.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a second chance romance and it is Jonas and Shannyn's story and it is a must read. Jonas and Shannyn have history but it ended badly. Jonas was a special forces sniper but when he is injured he returns home for good but not as the man he once was when he left but Jonas has a big surprise waiting for him on his return. Shannyn was heart broken when Jonas left six years ago for the special forces but then she found out that she was pregnant and didn't tell Jonas as she didn't want him to be with them out of obligation but now he is back and her secret is out that they have a daughter together called Emma but Jonas is not happy that he was kept in the dark and missed out on his daughter's life but will be ever be able to forgive Shannyn's deception only time will tell. I absolutely loved this book and I couldn't put it down as I wanted to see if Jonas and Shannyn would be able to overcome there difficulties and become a family for Emma after all Jonas and Shannyn's connection and chemistry between them is still just as strong as ever. I definitely recommend you read this book and you will not be disappointed as it is so well written and definitely worth reading. This is the first book that I have read by Donna Alward but definitely not the last and I look forward to reading more of her books in the future.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[JoAnne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Back in the Soldier's Bed was a quick read. There are lots of secrets and communication is non-existent and even when they are communicating Jonas and Shannyn don't understand correctly what the other is saying. There's definitely a difference of perception! Six years have passed and they weren't good at talking, then or now.

There are lots of misunderstanding, some heavy moments due to Jonas' flashbacks, memories while in the military and loss and pain he's suffered. But there are also some lighthearted and family type times as well as some tender ones. Jonas and Shannyn reminisce about their past but seem to have different takes on it as well as different memories. But could their old feelings be resurfacing and would that be a good or bad thing?

Her daughter, Emma, adds another layer to the story and she's woven throughout nicely. When she and Jonas meet for the first time it's a shock to him but when they are finally introduced Emma couldn't have been more accepting. There are a few twists and turns to the story but nice closure and a happily ever after in sight. I just wish the story had gone on a little longer.

Ms. Alward is an author whose books I've read and enjoyed in the past. It's been a year since I've read one of her books though. I have many more on my TBR pile and hope to get to more of them soon.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Holly Doyal · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I was given a chance to receive an ARC of this Donna Alward book, I jumped at it - I’ve enjoyed plenty of her books in the past. Unfortunately, this book just didn’t do it for me - there was too much tension over the same issues - he left me; he doesn’t love me; how can I ever trust him again; she lied to me; how can I ever trust her again, etc. it reached the point where I honestly wanted these two to break up - and that never happens for me. I ultimately didn’t like either Shannon or Jonas and I really wanted them to part ways and never speak to each other again.

I felt this book could have been MUCH shorter if they had only experienced the drama mentioned above once or twice per chapter instead of every single page. It became redundant (which is ironic because Jonas feared becoming redundant in his career) and it left a bad taste in my mouth. If these two were as traumatized by their past, they just should have walked away from each other. Hopefully I will like this author’s next book - but this one just didn’t sit well with me.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Fleur · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's been 6 years since Shannyn saw Jonas when he left he broke her heart and she neve thought she would see him again, but now he is back and not only are they both processing seeing each other but they also have to work out how things will work with Emma the daughter he never knew he had. There are plenty of high and low emotions for both Jonas and Shannyn, you feel for them both and see both sides of why they did what they did but their push pull made me want to shake sense into them. You are kept guessing as to whether they will see they are meant to be together or that Jonas's stubbornness not only to not believe he deserves Shannyn but also get the help he needs will ruin the perfect family they could have and that is what keeps you turning the page to make sure they do end up together!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Susan Hamann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jonas arrives for a medical appointment and finds the woman he left behind 6 years ago behind the reception desk. Shannyn is now the office manager and she has a big secret. He had left her behind and never contacted her again, as he continued his military career. He was severely injured in the war, and not all of his injuries are visible.

Both of them are angry and hurt. Can their daughter get them talking to each other again? Can Shannyn help him get the support he needs so that he can fully heal?

This book is well written and illustrates that the damage done to bodies, psyches, and relationships by war is not easy to overcome, but it can be done with enough work and love.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book I've read written by Donna Alward; I can’t wait to read more of her books.

Jonas broke Shannyn’s heart when he left her to join the Special Forces six years ago; she was alone and pregnant but didn’t want him to come back out of obligation so she kept the pregnancy a secret. Six years later he’s back; he was injuried and pulled active duty and discovers he has a daughter. He’s angry with Shannyn for not letting him know but wants to be a good dad. Visiting with Emma makes it clear that the feelings Shannyn & Jonas had was still there.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shannyn and Jonas have a lot of baggage to unpack in this story. I love that Shan is so strong and has worked hard to keep things together and that even though she is afraid, she still finds a way to help Jonas. I love cute little Emma. I love that Jonas finally realizes that he can be better and I love their journey to the end of the book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story with lots of ups and downs in it as the characters weave their way through difficult life choices and situations to discover romance and love again. Entertaining characters. Like the military background aspect of the story. Interesting to read about how these men have to navigate through situations in the military but also try to have a life outside of a military as well. Good read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[BusyM3 · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable read that will keep you reading to see what happens next. The story is full of emotions, enjoyable characters, second chances, family. The characters fit well together. This is a new author for me and I am looking forward to read more.

I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Six years ago Jonas Kirkpatrick left for the Special Forces and left Shannyn not knowing she was pregnant with their daughter Emma. He is back in their hometown but will they get a second chance? I enjoyed reading. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Charland Garvin · Rating 3 out of 5]

A 3.5 book. I like some of her other books more. I think this was an earlier book. It was ok but I think her more recent ones were better. Interesting none the less.