BEYOND COURAGE by Heather Tabers
GENRE: Inspirational Dual Timeline Short Story
RELEASE DATE: Available for free with newsletter sign-up
Two military wives, sixty years apart, raise sons who grow up to be soldiers, like their fathers. How can one little note bring these two women together on a quest to love fearlessly, beyond their own courage?
Wounded warrior wife, Marissa Westin, has already served in the trenches of military life, resulting in her husband being severely injured in Iraq. Now their son is grown and planning an Army career of his own, leaving Marissa heartbroken and resentful.Annie Coraggio was the wife of a WW2 Veteran and mother of a Vietnam soldier. Her story has been hidden for decades but a chance discovery by Marissa brings the two women together and their truths to the surface.Can an old relic of war help Annie make peace with her past and Marissa make peace with her future?
Beyond Courage by Heather Tabers is a short story full of heart, with layered characters and a warmth that draws readers easily into the narrative. Marissa Westin is the wife of a wounded warrior and the mom of a young man who is also preparing to join the Army. She has already sacrificed for her country, every time her husband deployed, and while she wasn’t asked to pay the ultimate price – after all, her husband did return home – he returned home forever changed. She’s not prepared to give them her son, too. I loved the glimpses we were given of Marissa’s relationship with her husband; it seemed full of love and laughter and life. And I felt her emotions and fears about her son were realistic and well-written without being over the top. I felt for her, even though I have no frame of reference for her situation.
Annie Coraggio was in similar shoes sixty years ago. Her husband returned from WW2 forever changed in his own way, and now her son was off fighting in Vietnam. The tension in this timeline radiates off the page, and my heart was in my throat more than once as I waited for the other shoe to drop. Yet amid the tension there is also an underlying hum of something special getting ready to happen… even if it takes sixty years for the hum to grow into a full melody. I loved the way that her story intersects with Marissa’s and the way her act of courage and love affects Marissa’s heart.
Bottom Line: If you are looking for a quick read that doesn’t skimp on character depth or charm, then you really need to check out Beyond Courage by Heather Tabers. This dual timeline military mom story tugs at your heart right away and hangs onto it until the last word. And even then you’re not quite ready for it to let you go, because you’ve fallen in love with the characters and their stories, as well as the writer’s style and voice. I can’t wait to read whatever this author writes next!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received by signing up for the author’s newsletter. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.)
My Rating: 5 stars / fantastic!
Get a free copy of Beyond Courage
when you sign up for Heather Tabers’ newsletter!
Heather Tabers is a writer and homeschool mama living the dream in Central Florida. Her greatest titles include Mother of 5, Wife of a Wounded Warrior, and Unashamed Daughter of God. She believes life can be messy and beautiful at the same time which is why she enjoys writing stories with a little bit of grit and a lot of grace. When she’s not writing, Heather can be found playing with her two furbabies (Murphy & Maisy), spending hours at the dinner table laughing with her family, reading a good book, or binge-watching a good period drama. Heather also donates her time to a wonderful non-profit that shines light into the dark places. She serves as the Communications Director at Love Missions Global, an organization that fights human trafficking by empowering survivors and educating the community. To follow Heather’s writing, visit www.heathertabers.com and www.christianhomeschoolmama.
What about you? What makes you want to read Beyond Courage by Heather Tabers? Did you download your free copy?!? (If not, go do it now!)
This sounds like a book that will resonate with all military families and one that those of us not from military families should read to appreciate the sacrifices of those who serve and their families!
Thank you, Suzanne! I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. 🙂