Welcome to Friday Reads!
You can enter to win a print copy of The Veteran's Vow by Jill Lynn, courtesy of the author. (US or International!) You can enter by using the Rafflecopter link at the bottom of this post. (Contest ends March 4, 2022.) Share on X If you’re the chosen winner, I’ll contact you for your information to pass along.
Blurb…
Could his biggest fear be what he needs to heal?
After a traumatic brain injury, military vet Behr Delgado refuses the one thing that could help him—a service dog. But Ellery Watson is sure the perfect pup will change Behr’s life and offers to work with him one-on-one. As Behr sets about overcoming his fears, Ellery’s surprised to find herself opening up about her troubled nephew. Will family obligations force them to deny what’s in their hearts?
How the story came to be…
I recently finished writing the Colorado Grooms series, which had six books and took place in the fictional town of Westbend, Colorado. I knew I wanted to start fresh in a new town, and I also knew it needed to be somewhat accessible to airports because it would house a canine training center for veterans. If it was in the middle of nowhere, it would be hard for them to access—fictionally, of course. ? I settled on making a fictional town out of two cities not far from where I live—Monument and Palmer Lake. They’re right off the freeway and would give easy access to both the Denver and Colorado Springs airports, but both still have small town charm. I named the new fictional town Mt. Vista, Colorado.
The basis behind the book—a veteran petrified of dogs, including the service dog that can assist with his injuries—came from a friend. I loved the idea that the very thing Behr is afraid of is the one thing that could help him. It feels like life often throws those kinds of problems at us. But while Ellery wants to assist Behr, she has drama with her teenage nephew going on in her own life.
When the two of them begin helping each other, it brings healing on many levels.
I always have an idea of how the story is going to go when I start writing—especially since I have to turn in a detailed synopsis—but I’m often surprised along the way. I’d say the things that surprised me this time are:
How understanding Ellery is of Behr’s commitment to another woman even as she begins to fall for him.
How snarly the teenager Fletcher came across in the book. I hope I made him redeemable too! But I really wanted him to be realistic, and sometimes teenagers (and humans in general) don’t always feel that redeemable. (Am I right or what? ?)
How the setting of the lake became an integral part of the story.
I’d love to hear what surprises readers or what they take away from the story!
Excerpt…
“I’m not used to being the one taking.” She hadn’t realized that being in the position of giving was easier until right at this moment. That was why she received so many notes and emails of encouragement and thanks from her veterans. It was a humbling thing to receive instead of give.
“Tough on the other side, isn’t it, kid?” He grinned as if knowing he had her. “Now you know how I feel. Losing my strength and agility after this injury was devastating. When you’ve always been the person who handles things, not being able to handle anything is, well…awful.”
“That makes a whole lot of sense.” The more Ellery got to know Behr, the more she liked him, the more she was glad she’d pushed him into trying this experiment. If Margo could help him, it would all be worth it. “I’ll call Desiree tonight, providing I don’t have to drive around town searching for Fletcher.”
“He’ll show up when he’s hungry. It’s the number one emotion boys have.”
“That’s not an emotion.”
“It is, to boys.”
She laughed. Ellery had a feeling she was going to be doing a lot of that in the next few weeks and that maybe it was just what she needed. Behr thought she was helping him, but based on their current conversation and the humor he brought into her world, it just might turn out to be the other way round.
My review…
I love books that feature service dogs, so that caught my attention with Lynn’s latest release. Margo was definitely the star of the show in this book, though Behr was a close second.
It was great to see the benefits of service dogs, and I loved Margo! Ellery and Behr were enjoyable and relatable characters, and it was easy to root for them. Relationships and character growth were at a realistic pace so it seemed natural vs. forced. This is a great book to add to your TBR list!
Possible trigger warnings: traumatic brain injury, suicide
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn’t required to leave a review.
About Jill…
Jill pens stories filled with humor, faith and happily-ever-afters. She’s an ACFW Carol Award-winning author and has a bachelor’s degree in communications from Bethel University. An avid fan of thrift stores, summer and coffee, she lives in Colorado with her husband and two children, who make her laugh on a daily basis. Connect with her at Jill-Lynn.com.
Social media links…
https://www.instagram.com/jilllynnauthor/
https://www.facebook.com/JillLynnAuthor/
https://twitter.com/JillLynnAuthor
https://www.pinterest.com/JillLynnAuthor
Rules for giveaway can be found here.
Sounds like a very heartwarming story.
It is! Good luck, Vickie.
no, I haven’t
I’ve read a few, and I find them quite fascinating.
Good luck!
I have and I love dogs so that makes the story even better for me.
I agree, Lynn. Good luck!
No, I have not yet read any but I love all animals, so I’m excited to read this story!!!
Good luck, Kristina!
Yes, from the Love Inspired and others.
Great! I think you’ll enjoy this one, as well. Good luck, Roxanne!