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A Soldier's Heart
Over twenty years earlier, an unnamed nurse had struggled to pull Tony Riordan away from the brink of death. And now, Tony could see the confusion in Claire Henderson's eyes, could see her struggle with the same nightmare images that had haunted him for years. Claire Henderson had saved his life, and it was time to return the favor.
248 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 1, 1994
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105 people want to read
About the author
Kathleen Korbel
61 books44 followersEileen Dreyer writing for Silhouette as Kathleen Korbel
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
June 3, 2011
A Soldier's Heart was a very deep and different book. It is about PTSD(post-traumatic stress disorder).
Tony Riordin served in the Vietnam war and he was one of the lucky one's he survived and came back and had a daughter Gina. He still has nightmares but with the help of his family he has tackled them. He is now ready to face the past which he tried to ignore and wants to thank the nurse that saved him, Claire. He tracks her down and sees in her eyes that she has not laid the ghosts to rest.
Claire is a part-time nurse and is trying to run an inn along with her daughter and son. Her son wants to be a fighter pilot and Claire can't deal with that. She has issues, she never talks about the war because it never did her husband any good(who killed himself), and she never had a supportive family to come back to. So, she plays down what she did, she was only a nurse but things are getting worse for her and Tony coming back triggers it even more. Her kids know that something is wrong but don't voice it, since the war is a part of her past she doesn't even acknowledge to herself.
If you are expecting a hot and heavy romance this is not it. The book is slow, we see family moments, Claire trying to drown her problems by throwing herself into children and still failing. You don't expect a woman who has hidden her problems for two decades to suddenly accept them. It takes a lot of time and Tony is patient. Even when they fall for each other Claire is afraid.
I will categorize this book into one which tried something really different. You don't have to kill in order to be affected, war has consequences, a medal is no reflection of human pain and suffering.
Tony Riordin served in the Vietnam war and he was one of the lucky one's he survived and came back and had a daughter Gina. He still has nightmares but with the help of his family he has tackled them. He is now ready to face the past which he tried to ignore and wants to thank the nurse that saved him, Claire. He tracks her down and sees in her eyes that she has not laid the ghosts to rest.
Claire is a part-time nurse and is trying to run an inn along with her daughter and son. Her son wants to be a fighter pilot and Claire can't deal with that. She has issues, she never talks about the war because it never did her husband any good(who killed himself), and she never had a supportive family to come back to. So, she plays down what she did, she was only a nurse but things are getting worse for her and Tony coming back triggers it even more. Her kids know that something is wrong but don't voice it, since the war is a part of her past she doesn't even acknowledge to herself.
If you are expecting a hot and heavy romance this is not it. The book is slow, we see family moments, Claire trying to drown her problems by throwing herself into children and still failing. You don't expect a woman who has hidden her problems for two decades to suddenly accept them. It takes a lot of time and Tony is patient. Even when they fall for each other Claire is afraid.
I will categorize this book into one which tried something really different. You don't have to kill in order to be affected, war has consequences, a medal is no reflection of human pain and suffering.
September 30, 2018
Still one of my favorite romances that deals with PTSD.
Here’s a guest review I wrote for Dear Author - https://dearauthor.com/book-reviews/o...
Here’s a guest review I wrote for Dear Author - https://dearauthor.com/book-reviews/o...
May 20, 2015
I read this for the first time 20 years after the original publication date and it's pretty amazing how well it holds up and how revolutionary it still feels in a lot of ways. Older couple (in their 40s - huzzah!) and a military vet heroine who suffers from PTSD is not something you see every day in the genre, even today - even with more women serving in the military than ever before. The romance sometimes get a little lost under the weight of the emotional baggage, and while that normally would detract for me, I'm more forgiving with this story because the Vietnam "stuff" is so very good. I loved any scene that showed the heroine "being a nurse," when the characters talked about their experience in the war, and how the author framed it around the current events back in 1994 - namely US troop involvement in Somalia.
A textbook example of a book I'd point any detractor of the genre too. Really well done.
A textbook example of a book I'd point any detractor of the genre too. Really well done.
May 28, 2014
This book caught my attention when I saw the Dear Author Classic Review because it's not often you see a book with a female protagonist with PTSD from war. It was originally published in 1995, so may be one of the first, if not the actual first romance novels to tackle PTSD in women. This book is available to check out from OpenLibrary https://openlibrary.org/books/OL35664... . As always with OpenLibrary, use Adobe Digital Editions to download the PDF version because it is a scanned copy of a physical book.
Tony Riorden gets the boulder moving when after 20 years, he finally seeks out Claire, the nurse who saved his life during Vietnam. Of course, that boulder was already tipping from the stress of her job as a supervisory nurse, trying to open her own bed and breakfast, and the fact that she has a 17-year-old son who is wild to join the military to become a fighter pilot all happening during the UN intervention in Somalia.
When Tony sees that he's caused harm by his visit, he decides to stick around to see if he can help. So of course, they fall in love.
The romance part of this book is fairly light because most of the emphasis, and rightly so, is on how Claire is handling or in some of the cases, not handling, her life. The intimate scenes are pretty meager as well and for all of the interest they added, should have just been completely fade to blacks.
What worked for this book for me were the cast of secondary characters and the experience of PTSD that rang true based on what I know of the people in my life. What also worked for me was the way Tony tried to help without being a macho overbearing alpha male and then when Claire finally did decide she needed help he gave her the information she was seeking and then stepped back to allow her to heal on her own. Naturally, this made him a bit of a Mary Sue; you can't win for losing with me.
Solid 4 stars for the story and the mustache ;)
Cross Posted http://erinsburnsbookshelf.blogspot.c...
Tony Riorden gets the boulder moving when after 20 years, he finally seeks out Claire, the nurse who saved his life during Vietnam. Of course, that boulder was already tipping from the stress of her job as a supervisory nurse, trying to open her own bed and breakfast, and the fact that she has a 17-year-old son who is wild to join the military to become a fighter pilot all happening during the UN intervention in Somalia.
When Tony sees that he's caused harm by his visit, he decides to stick around to see if he can help. So of course, they fall in love.
The romance part of this book is fairly light because most of the emphasis, and rightly so, is on how Claire is handling or in some of the cases, not handling, her life. The intimate scenes are pretty meager as well and for all of the interest they added, should have just been completely fade to blacks.
What worked for this book for me were the cast of secondary characters and the experience of PTSD that rang true based on what I know of the people in my life. What also worked for me was the way Tony tried to help without being a macho overbearing alpha male and then when Claire finally did decide she needed help he gave her the information she was seeking and then stepped back to allow her to heal on her own. Naturally, this made him a bit of a Mary Sue; you can't win for losing with me.
Solid 4 stars for the story and the mustache ;)
Cross Posted http://erinsburnsbookshelf.blogspot.c...
August 31, 2022
Puedes encontrar esta reseña en español al final.
I should have reviewed this story when I read it. But real life intruded and here I am, moths later trying to do right by this beautiful story.
I loved it. It was so poignant. I really felt for the heroine. She had such a hard life. And the author wrote about it so convincingly.
And what can I say about the hero? He was made custom-fitted for the heroine. He was so kind, supportive and understanding. I loved him too.
I don´t think Ms. Korbel could have done it better. Is always the other way around in Romancelandia. The broken hero and the heroine who helps him to heal. But not this time. Here the author gave us a male character who knew what the heroine was going through. And she gave us a female character who was the one going through the hard times. And it was refreshing and interesting and wonderful.
So, this (evidently) is much more than a romance. It´s about life, about healing, about finding your new normal. It´s a self-discovering trip. Hard at times, always realistic and beautiful at the end. A must read.
An to top it all you can find it at Open Library.
***
Debería haber escrito esta reseña justo cuando terminé de leer la historia. Pero por unas cosas y otras, aquí estoy, meses más tarde intentando hacerle justicia.
Me ha encantado. Ha sido tan conmovedora. La heroína me ha llegado al corazón. Tuvo una vida tan dura. Y la autora la ha descrito de una manera muy convincente.
¿Y qué decir del héroe? Parece hecho a medida para la protagonista. Ha sido tan bueno, tan compasivo y comprensivo. Me ha encantado también.
No creo que la señora Korbel lo hubiese podido hacer mejor. Es siempre al revés en Romancelancia. El héroe hecho polvo y la heroína es la que lo salva. Pero no aquí. Aquí la autora nos da un protagonista que sabe por lo que está pasando la heroína. Y nos da una protagonista que es la que pasa por todo el trauma. Y ha sido interesante y original y precioso.
Así que (evidentemente) esto es mucho más que un romance. Es una historia sobre la vida, sobre sanar, sobre encontrar una nueva normalidad. Es un viaje de autodescubrimiento. Duro a veces, siempre realista y maravilloso al final. Lectura obligada.
Y por si no fuera bastante, la puedes encontrar en Open Library.
I should have reviewed this story when I read it. But real life intruded and here I am, moths later trying to do right by this beautiful story.
I loved it. It was so poignant. I really felt for the heroine. She had such a hard life. And the author wrote about it so convincingly.
And what can I say about the hero? He was made custom-fitted for the heroine. He was so kind, supportive and understanding. I loved him too.
I don´t think Ms. Korbel could have done it better. Is always the other way around in Romancelandia. The broken hero and the heroine who helps him to heal. But not this time. Here the author gave us a male character who knew what the heroine was going through. And she gave us a female character who was the one going through the hard times. And it was refreshing and interesting and wonderful.
So, this (evidently) is much more than a romance. It´s about life, about healing, about finding your new normal. It´s a self-discovering trip. Hard at times, always realistic and beautiful at the end. A must read.
An to top it all you can find it at Open Library.
***
Debería haber escrito esta reseña justo cuando terminé de leer la historia. Pero por unas cosas y otras, aquí estoy, meses más tarde intentando hacerle justicia.
Me ha encantado. Ha sido tan conmovedora. La heroína me ha llegado al corazón. Tuvo una vida tan dura. Y la autora la ha descrito de una manera muy convincente.
¿Y qué decir del héroe? Parece hecho a medida para la protagonista. Ha sido tan bueno, tan compasivo y comprensivo. Me ha encantado también.
No creo que la señora Korbel lo hubiese podido hacer mejor. Es siempre al revés en Romancelancia. El héroe hecho polvo y la heroína es la que lo salva. Pero no aquí. Aquí la autora nos da un protagonista que sabe por lo que está pasando la heroína. Y nos da una protagonista que es la que pasa por todo el trauma. Y ha sido interesante y original y precioso.
Así que (evidentemente) esto es mucho más que un romance. Es una historia sobre la vida, sobre sanar, sobre encontrar una nueva normalidad. Es un viaje de autodescubrimiento. Duro a veces, siempre realista y maravilloso al final. Lectura obligada.
Y por si no fuera bastante, la puedes encontrar en Open Library.
February 25, 2013
I enjoyed reading this book about the aftermath of Vietnam War. A physically wounded hero, very strong and caring, helps the healing of a psychologically wounded heroine, with PTSD. Both had served in the conflict.
Well developed secondary characters. Some poignant and emotional moments. I felt that perhaps sometimes the plot stretches too much.
Published in the nineties - the hero has a moustache.
Well developed secondary characters. Some poignant and emotional moments. I felt that perhaps sometimes the plot stretches too much.
Published in the nineties - the hero has a moustache.
June 1, 2018
Best wounded warrior romance EVER!
Nowadays we know about PTSD. How returning vets suffer flashbacks, rages, survivor's guilt, shame - but back in the days of Vietnam? Heck, that's the war that finally forced us to see what combat does to the survivors. And we get it, about the soldiers. But what about the women? The nurses in medevac and MASH units who saw more blood and horror and death on a daily basis than many of the troops? The women who fought death and lost more often than most unit commanders? A Soldier's Heart is the wonderfully poignant and tender love story of one such beautiful but damaged nurse, and the the warrior she saved back in 'Nam - who returns decades later, just in time to save her. It's so realistic - it's graphic and disorienting and sexy and so uplifting - you live in the heroine's mind right along with her as she's simultaneously forced and assisted to deal with past trauma, present fears and future hopes. HEA and remarkable characters guaranteed, but grab the tissues. And when you're done reading and crying and smiling, find a way to show your support for our veterans. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Nowadays we know about PTSD. How returning vets suffer flashbacks, rages, survivor's guilt, shame - but back in the days of Vietnam? Heck, that's the war that finally forced us to see what combat does to the survivors. And we get it, about the soldiers. But what about the women? The nurses in medevac and MASH units who saw more blood and horror and death on a daily basis than many of the troops? The women who fought death and lost more often than most unit commanders? A Soldier's Heart is the wonderfully poignant and tender love story of one such beautiful but damaged nurse, and the the warrior she saved back in 'Nam - who returns decades later, just in time to save her. It's so realistic - it's graphic and disorienting and sexy and so uplifting - you live in the heroine's mind right along with her as she's simultaneously forced and assisted to deal with past trauma, present fears and future hopes. HEA and remarkable characters guaranteed, but grab the tissues. And when you're done reading and crying and smiling, find a way to show your support for our veterans. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 2, 2018
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A really good romance with some healing along the way.💗💞💗
Claire has spent almost twenty years ignoring and denying a huge part of her life. But she wasn't doing as a good of a job of it as she thought... and then Tony showed up, with the best of intentions.
This is a very emotional book about the acceptance and healing needed when anyone deals with a traumatic event, whether it's a military action or civilian. It also has an amazing love story intertwined. It's so very well developed and defined that it gives a fairly accurate view of what recovery can look like. I loved this book... it made me cry and laugh and sob.💕😍💕
A really good romance with some healing along the way.💗💞💗
Claire has spent almost twenty years ignoring and denying a huge part of her life. But she wasn't doing as a good of a job of it as she thought... and then Tony showed up, with the best of intentions.
This is a very emotional book about the acceptance and healing needed when anyone deals with a traumatic event, whether it's a military action or civilian. It also has an amazing love story intertwined. It's so very well developed and defined that it gives a fairly accurate view of what recovery can look like. I loved this book... it made me cry and laugh and sob.💕😍💕
June 5, 2018
5 Stars
Vietnam Veterans and PTSD
This is the best fictional depiction of Vietnam Veterans and their PTSD that I have ever read. I have read several memoirs from combat nurses. And, of course, there was China Beach. This book is an accurate portrayal of what our Veterans go through to deal with their experiences of war. From suicides to night terrors, hyper-vigilance and the difficulty in maintaining a solid life. This is at least a four-hanky book! I plan on keeping this book in my permanent library. Well Done! I received this book for free and voluntarily chose to post my honest review.
Vietnam Veterans and PTSD
This is the best fictional depiction of Vietnam Veterans and their PTSD that I have ever read. I have read several memoirs from combat nurses. And, of course, there was China Beach. This book is an accurate portrayal of what our Veterans go through to deal with their experiences of war. From suicides to night terrors, hyper-vigilance and the difficulty in maintaining a solid life. This is at least a four-hanky book! I plan on keeping this book in my permanent library. Well Done! I received this book for free and voluntarily chose to post my honest review.
February 23, 2021
Vietnam vet woman ptsd
This book made me cry and thank God I wasn't there. Good character development and realistic description of PTSD. A monster that attacks and you need to get through. It emphasized the importance of having the proper support. The character one ether man or woman just a vet that saw the hell that is war but also the relationship that develops. Anyone that works in a war zone even if it is a city ER can identify.
This book made me cry and thank God I wasn't there. Good character development and realistic description of PTSD. A monster that attacks and you need to get through. It emphasized the importance of having the proper support. The character one ether man or woman just a vet that saw the hell that is war but also the relationship that develops. Anyone that works in a war zone even if it is a city ER can identify.
June 8, 2018
I will say if you are anything like me make sure you keep the kleenex handy! This was a beautiful well-written story that handled a delicate subject with understanding and care. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 16, 2018
This book gave me all the feels. I love anything that has to do with our military and I love it even more when a book deals with a female military personnel. They are so underrated and need to have their story told and heard.
October 4, 2018
This is such a beautiful and romantic story. It is well written and has a nice story line and plot. I like the way the characters are discribed and how they develop. The PTSD is so well incoorporated in this story and so well handled.
Captivating and enjoyable read.
Captivating and enjoyable read.
April 27, 2018
I love this & I can't wait for more.
I will be also leaving a review on Goodreads @ Amazon.
And letting everyone know about it.
So i gave it a 5 Stars.
I will be also leaving a review on Goodreads @ Amazon.
And letting everyone know about it.
So i gave it a 5 Stars.
December 31, 2022
This is a beautiful story about love and trauma.
Read
August 21, 2023I may come back to this one but right now just can’t abide such a heavy topic.
September 1, 2013
This book was recommended on a thread at Dear Author about older couples in romance. It was fairly cheap used on amazon so I ordered it. It was a timely read since the heroine was a nurse in Vietnam and her daughter kept referring to China Beach which I just recently was able to get on DVD. I thought it was a well done book and I couldn't put it down once I started reading it.
November 24, 2023
This is the book I reach for when I need a good cry. It gets me every time.
March 23, 2016
Tony and Claire find each other at very different times in their 'post war' journeys. Their's is a heartwarming story but a difficult subject to contemplate at times.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews